Named characters

Major entities (proper, common)

FAC

33 home
28 the mill/The mill
26 the house/The house
26 the fields/The fields
25 the road/The road
17 the place/The place
15 the streets
14 the cathedral
14 the mill‐house/The mill‐house
14 the chamber

GPE

40 the town/The town
15 the city
10 the district
10 there
8 a city
6 the cities/The cities
6 the village/The village
5 the country/The country
5 the place/The place
4 city

LOC

159 the world/The world/the World
71 the river
52 the earth/The earth
42 the sea/The sea
30 the stream
28 the woods/The woods
24 earth
19 the water/The water
17 the fields
17 the waters

PER

165 men/Men
70 the child/The child
67 the old man/The old man
67 the people/The people
66 a woman/A woman
60 the gods/The gods
53 a man/A man
52 the children/The children
49 women/Women
43 man/Man

ORG

4 the Church/the church
1 the army of the empire
1 that bore , and would not nourish ,
1 my armies
1 the granary
1 his vanities
1 the vox populi
1 the only little dominion that she knew
1 Holy Church

VEH

32 the boat/The boat/THE boat
6 her boat/Her boat
2 the vessel
2 the ship
1 market boats
1 corn barges
1 great flat‐bottomed boats
1 his mare
1 his mule
1 his fat mule

Text

NOT the wheat itself ; not even so much as the chaff ; only the dust from the corn . The dust which [no one]_{264-no one} needs or notices ; the mock farina which flies out from under the two revolving circles of the grindstones ; the impalpable cloud which goes forth to gleam golden in the sun a moment , and then is scattered ; on the wind ; into [the water]_{265-the water} ; up in the sunlight ; down in the mud : what matters ? who cares ? Only the dust : a mote in the air ; a speck in the light ; a black spot in the living daytime ; a colourless atom in the immensity of the atmosphere , borne up one instant to gleam against the sky , dropped down the next to lie in [a fetid ditch]_{266-a fetid ditch} . Only the dust : the dust that flows out from between the grindstones , grinding exceeding hard and small , as the religion which calls itself [Love]_103-love avers that [its God]_{267-its god} does grind [the world]_{268-the world} . “ It is a nothing , less than nothing . The stones turn ; the dust is born ; it has a puff of life ; it dies . Who cares ? [No one]_{264-no one} . Not [the good God]_{4851-the good god} ; not [any man]_{4852-any man} ; not even [the devil]_{4853-the devil} . It is a thing even devil‐deserted . Ah , it is very like [you]_{104-folle‐farine} , ”_{[269-the old miller]} said [the old miller]_{269-the old miller} , watching the mill‐stones . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} heard — [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had heard a hundred times,—and held [her]_{104-folle‐farine} peace . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} : the dust ; only the dust . As good a name as any other for [a nameless creature]_{270-a nameless creature} . The dust ; sharp‐winnowed and rejected of all , as less worthy than even the shred husks and the shattered stalks . [Folle‐Farine,—she]_{105-folle‐farine,—she} watched the dust fly in and out all day long from between the grindstones . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} only wondered why , if [she]_{104-folle‐farine} and the dust were thus kindred and [namesakes]_{271-namesakes} , the wind flew away with the dust so mercifully , and yet never would fly away with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . The dust was carried away by the breeze , and wandered wherever it listed . The dust had a sweet short summer‐day life of its own ere it died . If it were worthless , it at least was free . It could lie in the curl of a green leaf , or on the white breast of a flower . It could mingle with the golden dust in a lily , and almost seem to be one with it . It could fly with the thistledown , and with the feathers of the dandelion , on every roving wind that blew . In a vague , dreamy fashion , [the child]_{272-the child} wondered why the dust was so much better dealt with than [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was . “ [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ! Folle — Folle — Folle — [Farine]_106-farine ! ”_{[273-the other children]} [the other children]_{273-the other children} hooted after [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , echoing the name by which the grim humour of [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} bitter‐tongued taskmaster]_{274-her bitter‐tongued taskmaster} had called [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had got used to it , and answered to it as others to [their]_{273-the other children} birth‐names . It meant that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was a thing utterly useless , absolutely worthless ; the very refuse of the winnowings of the flail of fate . But [she]_{104-folle‐farine} accepted that too , so far as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} understood it ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} only sometimes wondered in a dull fierce fashion why , if [she]_{104-folle‐farine} and the dust were [sisters]_275-sisters , the dust had its wings whilst [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had none . All day long the dust flew in and out and about as it liked , through the open doors , and among the tossing boughs , and through the fresh cool mists , and down the golden shafts of the sunbeams ; and all day long [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stayed in one place and toiled , and was first beaten and then cursed , or first cursed and then beaten,—which was all the change that [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life knew . For [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw no likeness betwixt [her]_{104-folle‐farine} and the dust ; for that escaped from the scourge and flew forth , but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} abode under the flail always . Nevertheless , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} was all the name [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew . The great black wheel churned and circled in [the brook water]_{276-the brook water} , and lichens and ferns and mosses made lovely all the dark , shadowy , silent place ; the red mill roof gleamed in the sun , under a million summer leaves ; the pigeons came and went all day in and out of [their]_277-their holes in the wall ; the sweet scents of ripening fruits in [many orchards]_{278-many orchards} filled the air ; the great grindstones turned and turned and turned , and the dust floated forth to dance with the gnat and to play with the sunbeam . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} sat aloft , on the huge wet timbers above the wheel , and watched with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} great sorrowful eyes , and wondered again , after [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own fashion , why [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} namesake]_{279-her namesake} had thus liberty to fly forth whilst [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had none . Suddenly a shrill screaming voice broke the stillness savagely . “ [Little devil]_{4854-little devil} ! ”_{[280-the miller]} cried [the miller]_{280-the miller} , “ go fetch [me]_{280-the miller} those sacks , and carry them within , and pile them ; neatly , do [you]_{4854-little devil} hear ? Like the piles of stone in [the road]_{4855-the road} . ”_{[280-the miller]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} swung down from the timbers in obedience to the command , and went to the heap of sacks that lay outside [the mill]_{281-the mill} ; small sacks , most of them ; all of last year ’s flour . There was an immense gladiolus growing near , in [the mill‐garden]_{282-the mill‐garden} , where they were ; a tall flower all scarlet and gold , and straight as a palm , with bees sucking into its bells , and butterflies poising on its stem . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} stood a moment looking at its beauty ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was scarce any higher than its topmost bud , and was in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way beautiful , something after its fashion . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was [a child of six or eight years]_{283-a child of six or eight years} , with limbs moulded like sculpture , and brown as the brook water ; great lustrous eyes , half savage and half soft ; a mouth like a red pomegranate bud , and straight dark brows — the brows of the friezes of [Egypt]_1-egypt . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} only clothing was a little short white linen kirtle , knotted around [her]_{104-folle‐farine} waist , and falling to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} knees ; and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} skin was burned , by exposure to the sun , to a golden brown colour , though in texture it was soft as velvet , and showed all the veins like glass . Standing there in the deep grass , with the scarlet flower against [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and purple butterflies over [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , [an artist]_{284-an artist} would have painted [her]_{104-folle‐farine} and called [her]_{104-folle‐farine} by a score of names , and described for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} some mystical or noble fate : as [Anteros]_107-anteros , perhaps , or as [the doomed son of Procne]_{285-the doomed son of procne} , or as [some child born to the Forsaken in [the savage forest of [Naxos]_2-naxos]_{287-the savage forest of naxos}]_{286-some child born to the forsaken in the savage forest of naxos} , or conceived by [Persephone]_{108-persephone} , in the eternal night of hell , whilst still [the earth]_{288-the earth} lay black and barren and fruitless , under the ban and curse of [a bereaved maternity]_{289-a bereaved maternity} . But here [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had only one name , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ; and here [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had only to labour drearily and stupidly , like the cattle of [the field]_{290-the field} , and without [their]_291-their strength , and with barely so much even as [their]_291-their scant fare and begrudged bed . The sunbeams that fell on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} might find out that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had a beauty which ripened and grew rich under their warmth , like that of a red flower bud or a golden autumn fruit . But nothing else ever did . In none of the eyes that looked on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} had [she]_{104-folle‐farine} any sort of loveliness . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [a little wicked beast that only merited at best a whip and a cruel word , a broken crust and a malediction]_{292-a little wicked beast that only merited at best a whip and a cruel word , a broken crust and a malediction} ; a thing born of [the devil , and out of which the devil]_{293-the devil , and out of which the devil} needed to be scourged incessantly . The sacks were all small ; they were the property of [the peasant proprietors of [the district]_{295-the district}]_{294-the peasant proprietors of the district} : [the department of [Calvados]_3-calvados]_{296-the department of calvados} . But though small they were heavy in proportion to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} age and power . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} lifted one , although with effort , yet with the familiarity of an accustomed action : poised it on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} back , clasped it tight with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} round slender arms , and carried it slowly through the open door of [the mill]_{281-the mill} . That one put down upon the bricks , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} came for a second,—a third,—a fourth,—a fifth,—a sixth , working doggedly , patiently and willingly , as a little donkey works . The sacks were in all sixteen ; before the seventh [she]_{104-folle‐farine} paused . It was a hot day in the late summer : [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was panting and burning with exertion ; the bloom in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} cheeks had deepened to scarlet ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stood a moment , resting , bathing [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face in the sweet coolness of a white tall tuft of lilies . [The miller]_{280-the miller} looked round where [he]_{280-the miller} worked , amongst [his]_{280-the miller} beans and cabbages , and saw . “ [Little mule]_{4856-little mule} ! [Little beast]_{4857-little beast} ! ”_{[280-the miller]} [he]_{280-the miller} cried . “ Would [you]_{104-folle‐farine} be lazy — you!—who have no more right to live at all than an eft , or a stoat , or a toad ! ”_{[280-the miller]} And as [he]_{280-the miller} spoke [he]_{280-the miller} came towards [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [He]_{280-the miller} had caught up a piece of rope with which [he]_{280-the miller} had been about to tie [his]_{280-the miller} beans to a stake , and [he]_{280-the miller} struck [the child]_{272-the child} with it . The sharp cord bit the flesh cruelly , curling round [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bare chest and shoulders , and leaving a livid mark . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} quivered a little , but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said nothing ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} lifted [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head and looked at [him]_{280-the miller} , and dropped [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} sides . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes glowed fiercely ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} red curling lips shut tight ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} straight brows drew together . “ [Little devil]_{4854-little devil} ! Will [you]_{4854-little devil} work now ? ”_{[280-the miller]} said [the miller]_{280-the miller} . “ Do [you]_{4854-little devil} think [you]_{4854-little devil} are to stand in the sun and smell at flowers — [you]_{4854-little devil} ! Pouf‐f‐f ! ”_{[280-the miller]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} did not move . “ Pick up the sacks this moment , [little brute]_{4859-little brute} , ”_{[280-the miller]} said [the miller]_{280-the miller} . “ If [you]_{4854-little devil} stand still a second before they are housed , [you]_{4854-little devil} shall have as many stripes as there are sacks left untouched . Oh , hè : do [you]_{104-folle‐farine} hear ? ”_{[280-the miller]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} heard , but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did not move . “ Do [you]_{4854-little devil} hear , ”_{[280-the miller]} [he]_{280-the miller} pursued . “ As many strokes as there are sacks , [little wretch]_{4860-little wretch} . Now — [I]_{280-the miller} will give [you]_{4854-little devil} three moments to choose . One ! ”_{[280-the miller]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} still stood mute and immovable , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head erect , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} arms crossed on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} chest . A small , slender , bronze‐hued , half‐nude figure amongst the ruby hues of [the gladioli and the pure snow‐like whiteness of the lilies]_{302-the gladioli and the pure snow‐like whiteness of the lilies} . “ Two ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} stood in the same attitude , the sacks lying untouched at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} feet , a purple‐winged butterfly lighting one [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head . “ Three ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was still mute ; still motionless . [He]_{280-the miller} seized [her]_{104-folle‐farine} by the shoulder with one hand , and with the other lifted the rope . It curled round [her]_{104-folle‐farine} breast and back , again and again and again ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} shuddered , but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did not utter a single cry . [He]_{280-the miller} struck [her]_{104-folle‐farine} the ten times ; with the same number of strokes as there remained sacks uncarried . [He]_{280-the miller} did not exert any great strength , for had [he]_{280-the miller} used [his]_{280-the miller} uttermost [he]_{280-the miller} would have killed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was of value to [him]_{280-the miller} ; but [he]_{280-the miller} scourged [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with a merciless exactitude in the execution of [his]_{280-the miller} threat , and the rope was soon wet with drops of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bright young blood . The noonday sun fell golden all around ; the deep sweet peace of [the silent country]_{303-the silent country} reigned everywhere ; the pigeons fled to and fro in and out of [[their]_304-their little arched homes]_{305-their little arched homes} ; the millstream flowed on , singing a pleasant song ; now and then a ripe apricot dropped with a low sound on the turf ; close about was all the radiance of summer flowers ; of heavy rich roses , of yellow lime tufts , of sheaves of old‐fashioned comely phlox , and all the delicate shafts of the graceful lilies . And in the warmth [the child]_{272-the child} shuddered under the scourge ; against the light the black rope curled like a serpent darting to sting ; among the sun‐fed blossoms there fell a crimson stain . But never a word had [she]_{104-folle‐farine} uttered . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} endured to the tenth stroke in silence . [He]_{280-the miller} flung the cord aside amongst the grass . “ [Daughter of devils!—what strength]_{4861-daughter of devils!—what strength} [the devil]_{4853-the devil} gives ! ”_{[280-the miller]} [he]_{280-the miller} muttered . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} said nothing . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} face was livid , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} back bruised and lacerated , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes still glanced with undaunted scorn and untamed passion . Still [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said nothing ; but , as [his]_{280-the miller} hand released [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} darted as noiselessly as a lizard to [the water]_{265-the water} ’s edge , set [her]_{104-folle‐farine} foot on the lowest range of the woodwork , and in a second leaped aloft to the highest point , and seated [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} astride on that crossbar of timber on which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had been throned when [he]_{280-the miller} had summoned [her]_{104-folle‐farine} first , above the foam of the churning wheels , and in the deepest shadow of innumerable leaves . Then [she]_{104-folle‐farine} lifted up a voice as pure , as strong , as fresh as the voice of [a mavis]_{308-a mavis} in May time , and sang , with reckless indifference , a stave of song in a language unknown to any of [the people of [that place]_{310-that place}]_{309-the people of that place} ; a loud fierce air , with broken words of curious and most dulcet melody , which rang loud and defiant , yet melancholy , even in [their]_311-their rebellion , through the foliage , and above the sound of the loud [mill water]_{312-mill water} . “ It is a chaunt to [the foul fiend]_{4863-the foul fiend} , ”_{[280-the miller]} [the miller]_{280-the miller} muttered to [himself]_{280-the miller} . “ Well , why does [he]_{4863-the foul fiend} not come and take [his]_{4863-the foul fiend} own ; [he]_{4863-the foul fiend} would be welcome to it . ”_{[280-the miller]} And [he]_{280-the miller} went and sprinkled holy water on [his]_{280-the miller} rope , and said an ave or two over it to exorcise it . Every fibre of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} childish body ached and throbbed ; the stripes on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} shoulders burned like flame ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} little brain was dizzy ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} little breast was black with bruises ; but still [she]_{104-folle‐farine} sang on , clutching the timber with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands to keep [her]_{104-folle‐farine} from falling into the foam below , and flashing [her]_{104-folle‐farine} proud eyes down through the shade of the leaves . “ Can one never cut the devil out of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ? ”_{[280-the miller]} muttered [the miller]_{280-the miller} , going back to [his]_{280-the miller} work amongst the beans . After a while the song ceased ; the pain [she]_{104-folle‐farine} suffered stifled [her]_{104-folle‐farine} voice despite [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} felt giddy and sick , but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} sat there still in the shadow , holding on by the jutting woodwork , and watching water foam and eddy below . The hours went away ; the golden day died ; the greyness of evening stole the glow from the gladioli and shut up the buds of the roses ; the lilies gleamed but the whiter in the dimness of twilight ; the vesper chimes were rung from [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} two leagues away over [the fields]_{316-the fields} . [The miller]_{280-the miller} stopped the gear of [the mill]_{281-the mill} ; the grindstones and the water‐wheels were set at rest ; the peace of the night came down ; the pigeons flew to roost in [their]_319-their niches ; but the sacks still lay uncarried on the grass , and a spider had found time to spin [his]_320-his fairy ropes about them . [The miller]_{280-the miller} stood on [his]_{280-the miller} threshold , and looked up at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} where [she]_{104-folle‐farine} sat aloft in the dusky shades of the leaves . “ Come down and carry these sacks , [little brute]_{4859-little brute} , ”_{[280-the miller]} [he]_{280-the miller} said . “ If not — no supper for [you]_{104-folle‐farine} to‐night . ”_{[280-the miller]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} obeyed [him]_{280-the miller} and came down from the huge pile , slowly , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands crossed behind [her]_{104-folle‐farine} back , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head erect , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes glancing like the eyes of a wild hawk . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} walked straight past the sacks , across [the dew‐laden turf]_{322-the dew‐laden turf} , through the tufts of the lilies , and so silently into [the house]_{323-the house} . The entrance wa [a wide kitchen]_{324-a wide kitchen} , paved with blue and white tiles , clean as a watercress , filled with the pungent odour of dried herbs , and furnished with brass pots and pans , with walnut presses , with pinewood tressels , and with strange little quaint pictures and images of [saints]_325-saints . On one of the tressels were set a jug of steaming milk , some rolls of black bread , and a big dish of stewed cabbages . At the meal there was already seated [a lean , brown , wrinkled , careworn old serving woman , clad in the blue kirtle and the white head gear of [Normandy]_109-normandy]_{326-a lean , brown , wrinkled , careworn old serving woman , clad in the blue kirtle and the white head gear of normandy} . [The miller]_{280-the miller} stayed [the child at the threshold]_{328-the child at the threshold} . “ Little devil — not a bit nor drop to‐night if [you]_{104-folle‐farine} do not carry the sacks . ”_{[280-the miller]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} said nothing , but moved on , past the food on the board , past the images of [the saints]_{329-the saints} , past the high lancet window , through which the moonlight had begun to stream , and out at the opposite door . There [she]_{104-folle‐farine} climbed a steep winding stairway on to which that door had opened , pushed aside a little wooden wicket , entered a loft in the roof , loosened the single garment that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} wore , shook it off from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and plunged into the fragrant mass of daisied hay and of dry orchard mosses which served [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as a bed . Covered in these , and curled like a dormouse in its nest , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} clasped [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands above [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , and sought to forget in sleep [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hunger and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} wounds . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was well used to both . Below there was a crucifix , with a bleeding God upon it : there was a little rudely sculptured representation of the Nativity ; there was a wooden figure of [St. Christopher]_{110-st. christopher} ; a portrait of [the Madonna]_{330-the madonna} , and many other symbols of [the church]_{331-the church} . But [[he]_{280-the miller} child]_{332-he child} went to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bed without a prayer on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} lips , and with a curse on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , and bruises on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} body . Sleep , for once , would not come to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was too hurt and sore to be able to lie without pain : the dried grasses , so soft to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} usually , were like thorns beneath the skin that still swelled and smarted from the stripes of the rope . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was feverish ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} tossed and turned in vain ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} suffered too much to be still ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} sat up and stared with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} passionate wistful eyes , at the leaves that were swaying against the square casement in the wall , and the moonbeam that shone so cold and bright across [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bed . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} listened , all [her]_{104-folle‐farine} sense awake , to the noises of [the house]_{323-the house} . There were not many : a cat ’s mew , a mouse ’s scratch , the click‐clack of [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} ’s step , the shrill monotony of [the old man]_{335-the old man} ’s voice , these were all . After a while even these ceased ; the wooden shoes clattered up the wooden stairs , [the house]_{323-the house} became quite still ; there was only in the silence the endless flowing murmur of the water breaking against the motionless wheels of [the mill]_{281-the mill} . [Neither man]_{338-neither man} nor [woman]_339-woman had come near to bring [her]_{104-folle‐farine} anything to eat or drink . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had heard [them]_340-them muttering [their]_340-them prayers before [they]_340-them went to rest , but no hand unlatched [her]_{104-folle‐farine} door . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had no disappointment , because [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had had no hope . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had rebellion , because [Nature]_111-nature had grafted it in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went no further . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} did not know what it was to hope . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was only a young wild animal , well used to blows , and drilled by [them]_341-them , but not tamed . As soon as [the place]_{342-the place} was silent , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} got out of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} nest of grass , slipped on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} linen skirt , and opened [her]_{104-folle‐farine} casement — a small square hole in the wall , and merely closed by a loose deal shutter , with a hole cut in it , scarcely bigger than [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head . A delicious sudden rush of summer air met [her]_{104-folle‐farine} burning face ; a cool cluster of foliage hit [her]_{104-folle‐farine} a soft blow across the eyes as the wind stirred it . They were enough to allure [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . Like [any other young cub of [the woods]_{344-the woods}]_{343-any other young cub of the woods} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had only two instincts — air and liberty . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} thrust [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} out of the narrow window with the agility that only is born of frequent custom , and got upon the shelving thatch of [a shed which sloped a foot or so below]_{345-a shed which sloped a foot or so below} , slid down the roof , and swung [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} by the jutting bricks of the outhouse wall on to the grass . The house dog , [a brindled mastiff , that roamed loose all night about [the mill]_{281-the mill}]_{346-a brindled mastiff , that roamed loose all night about the mill} , growled and sprang at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; then , seeing who [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was , put up [his]_{346-a brindled mastiff , that roamed loose all night about the mill} gaunt head and licked [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face , and turned again to resume the rounds of [his]_{346-a brindled mastiff , that roamed loose all night about the mill} vigilant patrol . Ere [he]_{346-a brindled mastiff , that roamed loose all night about the mill} went , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} caught and kissed [him]_{346-a brindled mastiff , that roamed loose all night about the mill} , closely and fervently , without a word . [The mastiff]_{348-the mastiff} was the only living thing that did not hate [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was grateful , in a passionate , dumb , unconscious fashion . Then [she]_{104-folle‐farine} took to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} feet , ran , as swiftly as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could , along the margin of [the water]_{265-the water} , and leaped like a squirrel into the wood , on whose edge [the mill]_{281-the mill} stood . Once there [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was content . The silence , the shadows , the darkness where the trees stood thick , the pale quivering luminance of the moon , the mystical eërie sounds that fill [a woodland]_{351-a woodland} by night , all which would have had terror for tamer and happier creatures of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} years , had only for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} a vague entranced delight . Nature had made [her]_{104-folle‐farine} without one pulse of fear ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had remained too ignorant to have been ever taught it . It was still warm with all the balmy breath of midsummer : there were heavy dews everywhere ; here and there on the surface of [the water]_{265-the water} , there gleamed the white closed cups of the lotus ; through the air there passed , now and then , the soft , grey , dim body of a night‐bird on the wing ; the wood , whose trees were pines , and limes , and maples , was full of a deep dreamy odour ; the mosses that clothed many of the branches hung , film‐like , in the wind in lovely coils and web‐like phantasies . Around stretched [the vast country]_{353-the vast country} , dark and silent , as in a trance , the stillness only broken by some faint note of a sheep ’s bell , some distant song of a mule‐driver passing homeward . [The child]_{272-the child} strayed onward through the trees , insensibly soothed , and made glad , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew not why , by all the dimness and the fragrance round [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} stood up to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} knees in the shallow freshets that every now and then broke up through the grasses : [she]_{104-folle‐farine} felt the dews , shaken off the leaves above , fall deliciously upon [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face and hair ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} filled [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands with the night‐blooming marvel‐flower , and drank in its sweetness as though it were milk and honey ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} crouched down and watched [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own eyes look back at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} from [the dark gliding water of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{355-the dark gliding water of the river} . Then [she]_{104-folle‐farine} threw [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} back upon the mosses — so cool and moist that they seemed like balm upon the bruised hot skin — and lay there looking upward at the swift mute passage of the flitting owls , at the stately flights of the broad‐winged moths , at the movement of the swift brown bats , at the soft trembling of the foliage in the breeze , at the great clouds slowly sailing across the brightness of the moon . All these things were infinitely sweet to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with the sweetness of freedom , of love , of idleness , of rest , of all things which [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life had never known ; so dumbly may the young large‐eyed antelope feel the beauty of [the forest]_{357-the forest} in the hot lull of tropic nights , when the speed of [the pursuer]_{358-the pursuer} has relaxed , and the aromatic breath of the panther is no more against its flank . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} lay there long , quite motionless , tracing , with a sort of voluptuous delight , all movements in the air , all changes in the clouds , all shadows in the leaves . All the immense multitude of ephemeral life which , unheard in the day , fills [the earth]_{288-the earth} with innumerable whispering voices after the sun has set , now stirred in every herb and under every bough around [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . The silvery ghost‐like wing of an owl touched [her]_{104-folle‐farine} forehead once . [A little dormouse]_{360-a little dormouse} ran across [her]_{104-folle‐farine} feet . Strange shapes floated across the cold white surface of [the water]_{265-the water} . Quaint things , hairy , filmy‐winged , swam between [her]_{104-folle‐farine} and the stars . But none of these things had terror for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; they were things of the night , with which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} felt vaguely the instinct of kinship . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was only a little wild beast , [they]_362-they said , [the offspring of darkness , and vileness , and rage and disgrace]_{363-the offspring of darkness , and vileness , and rage and disgrace} . And yet , in a vague imperfect way , the glories of the night , its mysterious charm and solemn beauty , its melancholy and lustrous charm , quenched the fierceness in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} dauntless eyes , and filled them with dim wondering tears , and stirred the half‐dead soul in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to some dull pain , some nameless ecstacy , that were not merely physical . And then , in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way , being stung by these , and moved , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew not why , to a strange sad sense of loneliness and shame , and knowing no better [she]_{104-folle‐farine} prayed . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} raised [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} knees , and crossed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands upon [her]_{104-folle‐farine} chest , and prayed after the fashion that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had seen [men]_364-men and [women]_365-women and [children]_366-children pray at [roadside shrines]_{367-roadside shrines} and [crosses]_368-crosses ; prayed aloud , with a little beating breaking heart , like [the young child]_{369-the young child} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was . “ Oh Devil ! if [I]_{104-folle‐farine} be indeed [[thy]_4865-thy daughter]_{4866-thy daughter} , stay with [me]_{104-folle‐farine} ; leave [me]_{104-folle‐farine} not alone : lend [me]_{104-folle‐farine} [thy]_4865-thy strength and power , and let [me]_{104-folle‐farine} inherit of [[thy]_4865-thy kingdom]_{4867-thy kingdom} . Give [me]_{104-folle‐farine} this , oh great Lord , and [I]_{104-folle‐farine} will praise [thee]_4865-thy and love [thee]_4865-thy always . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} prayed in all earnestness , in all simplicity , in broken , flattering language ; knowing no better ; knowing only that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was alone on [the earth]_{288-the earth} and friendless , and very hungry and in sore pain , whilst [this mighty unknown King of [the dominion of darkness , whose child [she]_{104-folle‐farine} ever heard [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was]_{372-the dominion of darkness , whose child she ever heard she was}]_{371-this mighty unknown king of the dominion of darkness , whose child she ever heard she was} , had lost [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , or abandoned [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; and reigned afar in some immortal world oblivious of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} misery . The silence of the night alone gave back the echo of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own voice . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} waited breathless for some answer , for some revelation , some reply ; there only came the pure cold moon , sailing straight from out a cloud , and striking on [the waters]_{373-the waters} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} rose sadly to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} feet , and went back along the shining course of [the stream]_{374-the stream} , through the grasses and the mosses , and under the boughs , to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} little nest under the eaves . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} left the obscurity of the wood and passed into the fuller light , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bare feet glistening , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} shoulders wet with the showers of dew , [a large dark shape flying down the wind]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} smote [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with [his]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} wings upon the eyes , lighted one moment on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , and then swept onward lost in shade . At that moment , likewise , a radiant golden globe flashed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} sight , dropped to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} footsteps , and shone an instant in the glisten from the skies . It was but [a great goshawk]_{376-a great goshawk} seeking for its prey ; it was but a great meteor fading and falling at its due appointed hour ; but to the heated , savage , dreamy fancy of [the child]_{272-the child} it seemed an omen , an answer , a thing of prophecy , a spirit of air ; nay , why not [Him]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} [himself]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} ? In legends , which had been the only lore [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ears had ever heard , it had been often told [he]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} took such shapes as this . “ If [he]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} should give [me]_{104-folle‐farine} [[his]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} kingdom]_{4868-his kingdom} ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought ; and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes flashed alight ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart swelled ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} cheeks burned . [The little dim untutored brain]_{378-the little dim untutored brain} could not hold the thought long or close enough to grasp , or sift , of measure it ; but some rude rich glory , impalpable , unutterable , seemed to come to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} and bathe [her]_{104-folle‐farine} in its heat and colour . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was [[his]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} offspring]_{379-his offspring} , so [they]_380-they all told [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; why not , then , also [[his]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} heir]_{381-his heir} ? [She]_{104-folle‐farine} felt , as felt [the goatherd]_{382-the goatherd} or the charcoal‐burner in those legends [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had fed on , who was suddenly called from poverty and toil , from hunger and fatigue , from a fireless hearth , and a bed of leaves , to inherit [some fairy empire]_{383-some fairy empire} , to ascend to [some region of the gods]_{384-some region of the gods} . Like one of these , hearing the summons to some great unknown imperial power smite all [his]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} poor pale barren life to splendour , so [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , standing by the water ’s side in the light of the moon , desolate , ignorant , brute‐like , felt elected to some mighty heritage unseen of [men]_364-men . If this were waiting for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} in the future , what matter , now , were stripes or wounds or woe ? [She]_{104-folle‐farine} smiled a little , dreamily , like one who beholds fair visions in [his]_{375-a large dark shape flying down the wind} sleep , and stole back over the starlit grass , and swung [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} upward by the tendrils of ivy , and crouched once more down in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} nest of mosses . And either the courage of [the spirits of darkness]_{386-the spirits of darkness} , or the influence of instincts dumb but nascent , was with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; for [she]_{104-folle‐farine} fell asleep in [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} little loft]_{387-her little loft} in the roof as though [she]_{104-folle‐farine} were [a thing cherished of heaven and earth]_{388-a thing cherished of heaven and earth} , and dreamed happily all through the hours of the slowly‐rising dawn : [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bruised body and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} languid brain and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} aching heart all stilled and soothed , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hunger and passion and pain forgotten ; with the night‐blooming flowers still clasped in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands , and on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} closed mouth a smile . For [she]_{104-folle‐farine} dreamed of [[[her]_{104-folle‐farine} Father]_{389-her father} ’s kingdom]_{390-her father ’s kingdom} , [a kingdom which [no man]_{392-no man} denies to the creature that has beauty and youth , and is poor and yet proud , and is of the sex of [its]_393-its mother]_{391-a kingdom which no man denies to the creature that has beauty and youth , and is poor and yet proud , and is of the sex of its mother} . IN [one of [the most fertile and most fair districts of [northern France]_{396-northern france}]_{395-the most fertile and most fair districts of northern france}]_{394-one of the most fertile and most fair districts of northern france} there was [a little Norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly]_{397-a little norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly} by reason of [[its]_{397-a little norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly} ancient streets]_{398-its ancient streets} , [its]_{397-a little norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly} high peaked roofs , [its]_{397-a little norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly} marvelous galleries and carvings , [its]_{397-a little norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly} exquisite greys and browns , [its]_{397-a little norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly} silence and its colour , and [its]_{397-a little norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly} rich still life . [Its]_{397-a little norman town , very , very old and beautiful exceedingly} centre was [a great cathedral]_{399-a great cathedral} , noble as [York]_4-york or [Chartres]_5-chartres ; [a cathedral]_{400-a cathedral} , whose spire shot to the clouds , and whose innumerable towers and pinnacles were all pierced to the day , so that they blue sky shone and the birds of the air flew all through them . [A slow brown river , broad enough for [market boats]_{402-market boats} and for [corn barges]_{403-corn barges}]_{401-a slow brown river , broad enough for market boats and for corn barges} , stole through [the place]_{342-the place} to [the sea]_{405-the sea} , lapping as it went the wooden piles of [the houses]_{406-the houses} , and reflecting the quaint shapes of the carvings , the hues of the signs and the draperies , the dark spaces of the dormer windows , the bright heads of some casement‐cluster of carnations , the laughing face of [a girl leaning out to smile on [[her]_{407-a girl leaning out to smile on her lover} lover]_{408-her lover}]_{407-a girl leaning out to smile on her lover} . All around [it]_{342-the place} lay the deep grass unshaven , the leagues on leagues of [fruitful orchards]_{409-fruitful orchards} , [the low blue hills]_{410-the low blue hills} tenderly interlacing one another , [the fields of [colza]_6-colza]_{411-the fields of colza} , where the white head‐dress of [the women workers]_{412-the women workers} flashed in the sun like a silvery pigeon ’s wing . To the west there were [the deep green woods]_{413-the deep green woods} , and [the wide plains]_{414-the wide plains} golden with gorse of [Arthur ’s]_{7-arthur ’s} and of [[Merlin]_112-merlin ’s lands]_{415-merlin ’s lands} ; and beyond , to the northward , was the dim stretch of [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} breaking on a yellow shore , whither [the river]_{356-the river} ran , and wither led [straight shady roads , hidden with linden and with poplar trees]_{418-straight shady roads , hidden with linden and with poplar trees} , and marked ever and anon by a wayside wooden [Christ]_113-christ , or by a little murmuring well crowned with a crucifix . [A beautiful , old , shadowy , ancient place]_{419-a beautiful , old , shadowy , ancient place} : picturesque everywhere ; often silent , with a sweet sad silence that was chiefly broken by the sound of bells or the chaunting of [choristers]_{420-choristers} . [A place of the Middle Ages]_{421-a place of the middle ages} still . With lanterns swinging on cords from [house]_422-house to [house]_422-house as the only light ; with wondrous scroll‐works and quaint signs at the doors of [all]_424-all [[its]_424-all traders]_{425-its traders} ; with [monks]_426-monks ’ cowls and golden croziers and white‐robed acolytes in [[its]_424-all streets]_{427-its streets} ; with the subtle smoke of incense coming out from the cathedral door to mingle with the odours of the fruits and flowers in [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} ; with [great flat‐bottomed boats]_{429-great flat‐bottomed boats} drifting down [the river]_{356-the river} under the leaning eaves of [[its]_424-all dwellings]_{431-its dwellings} ; and with the galeries of [[its]_424-all opposing houses]_{432-its opposing houses} touching so nearly that [a girl leaning on one]_{433-a girl leaning on one} could stretch a Provence rose or toss an Easter egg across to [[her]_{433-a girl leaning on one} neighbour]_{434-her neighbour} in the other . Doubtless , there were often squalor , poverty , dust , filth , and uncomeliness within [these old and beautiful homes]_{435-these old and beautiful homes} . Doubtless often [the dwellers therein]_{436-the dwellers therein} were housed like cattle and slept like pigs , and looked but once out [the woods and waters of [the landscapes]_{438-the landscapes}]_{437-the woods and waters of the landscapes} round for one hundred times that [they]_{436-the dwellers therein} looked at [their]_{436-the dwellers therein} hidden silver in an old delf jug , or at [their]_{436-the dwellers therein} tawdry coloured prints of [St. Victorian]_{8-st. victorian} or [St. Scævola]_{9-st. scævola} . But yet much of the beauty and the nobility of the old , simple , restful rich‐hued life of the past still abode [there]_439-there , and remained with [them]_{436-the dwellers therein} . In the straight , lithe form of [[their]_{436-the dwellers therein} maidens]_{440-their maidens} , untrammelled by modern garb , and moving with the free majestic grace of forest does . In [the vast , dim , sculptured chambers , where the grandam span by the wood fire]_{441-the vast , dim , sculptured chambers , where the grandam span by the wood fire} , and [the little children]_{442-the little children} played in the shadows , and [the lovers]_{443-the lovers} whispered in the embrasured window . In [the broad market‐place , where the mules cropped the clover , and the tawny awnings caught the sunlight]_{444-the broad market‐place , where the mules cropped the clover , and the tawny awnings caught the sunlight} , and the white caps of [the girls]_{445-the girls} framed faces fitted for the pencils of [the missal painters]_{446-the missal painters} , and the flush of colour form mellow wall‐fruits and grape‐clusters glanced amidst the shelter of deepest freshest green . In the perpetual presence of [[their]_{436-the dwellers therein} cathedral]_{447-their cathedral} , which through sun and storm , through frost and summer , through noon and midnight stood there amidst [them]_{436-the dwellers therein} , and watched [the galled oxen]_{448-the galled oxen} tread [their]_{448-the galled oxen} painful way , and the scourged mules droop [their]_{448-the galled oxen} humble heads , and [the helpless harmless flocks]_{449-the helpless harmless flocks} go forth to the slaughter , and the old weary lives of [the men]_{450-the men} and [women]_365-women pass through hunger and cold to the grave , and the sun and the moon rise and set , and the flowers and [the children]_{452-the children} blossom and fade , and the endless years come and go , bringing peace , bringing war ; bringing harvest , bringing famine ; bringing life , bringing death ; and beholding these , still said to [the multitude]_{453-the multitude} in its terrible irony , “ [Lo]_114-lo ! [[your]_{453-the multitude} God]_{4869-your god} is Love . ”_{[453-the multitude]} [This little town]_{454-this little town} lay far from [the great [Paris]_10-paris highway]_{455-the great paris highway} and [all greatly frequented tracks]_{456-all greatly frequented tracks} . [It]_{454-this little town} was but a short distance from [the coast]_{457-the coast} , but near [no harbour of greater extent than such as [some small fishing village]_{459-some small fishing village} had made in the rocks for [the trawlers]_{460-the trawlers}]_{458-no harbour of greater extent than such as some small fishing village had made in the rocks for the trawlers} . [Few strangers]_{461-few strangers} ever came to [it]_{454-this little town} , except [some wandering painters]_{462-some wandering painters} or [antiquaries]_{463-antiquaries} . [It]_{454-this little town} sent [its]_{454-this little town} apples and eggs , its poultry and honey , its colza and corn , to the use of [the great cities]_{464-the great cities} ; but it was rarely that [any of [[its]_{454-this little town} own people]_{466-its own people}]_{465-any of its own people} went thither . Now and then [some one of the oval‐faced , blue‐eyed , lithe‐limbed maidens of [[its]_{454-this little town} little homely households]_{468-its little homely households}]_{467-some one of the oval‐faced , blue‐eyed , lithe‐limbed maidens of its little homely households} would sigh and flush and grow restless , and murmur of [Paris]_10-paris ; and would steal out in the break of a warm grey morning whilst only the birds were still waking ; and would patter away in [her]_{454-this little town} wooden shoes over [the broad , white , southern road]_{469-the broad , white , southern road} , with a stick over [her]_{454-this little town} shoulder , and a bundle of all [her]_{454-this little town} worldly goods upon the stick . And [she]_{454-this little town} would look back often , often , as [she]_{454-this little town} went ; and when all was lost in the blue haze of distance save the lofty spire which [she]_{454-this little town} still saw through [her]_{454-this little town} tears , [she]_{454-this little town} would say in [her]_{454-this little town} heart , with [her]_{454-this little town} lips parched and trembling , “ [I]_{454-this little town} will come back again . ”_{[454-this little town]} But [none such]_{470-none such} ever did come back . [They]_471-they came back no more than did the white sweet sheaves of the lilies which [the women]_{472-the women} gathered and sent to be bought and sold in [the city]_{473-the city} — to gleam one faint summer night in [a gilded balcony]_{474-a gilded balcony} , and to be flung out the next morning , withered and dead . One amongst [the few who had thus gone whither the lilies]_{475-the few who had thus gone whither the lilies} went , and of whom [people]_476-people would still talk as [their]_476-people mules paced homewards through [the lanes]_{477-the lanes} at twilight , had been [Reine Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , [the daughter of [the miller of [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{479-the miller of yprès}]_{478-the daughter of the miller of yprès} . [Yprès]_11-yprès was [a beechen‐wooded hamlet on [the northern out‐ skirt of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{481-the northern out‐ skirt of the town} , [a place of orchards and wooded tangle]_{483-a place of orchards and wooded tangle} ; through which there ran [a branch of [the brimming river , hastening to seek and join the sea]_{485-the brimming river , hastening to seek and join the sea}]_{484-a branch of the brimming river , hastening to seek and join the sea} , and caught a moment on [its]_{484-a branch of the brimming river , hastening to seek and join the sea} impetuous way , and forced to work by]_{480-a beechen‐wooded hamlet on the northern out‐ skirt of the town , a place of orchards and wooded tangle ; through which there ran a branch of the brimming river , hastening to seek and join the sea , and caught a moment on its impetuous way , and forced to work by} the grim millwheels that had churned the foam‐bells there for centuries . [The millhouse]_{486-the millhouse} was very ancient ; [its]_{486-the millhouse} timbers were carved all over into the semblance of shields and helmets , and crosses , and fleur‐de‐lis , and [its]_{486-the millhouse} frontage was of quaint parqueted work , black and white , except where the old blazonries had been . It had been handed down from [sire]_487-sire to [son of the same race]_{488-son of the same race} through many generations — [a race hard , keen , unlearned , superstitious , and caustic‐tongued]_{489-a race hard , keen , unlearned , superstitious , and caustic‐tongued} — [a race wedded to old ways , credulous of legend , chaste of life , cruel of judgement]_{490-a race wedded to old ways , credulous of legend , chaste of life , cruel of judgement} ; harshly strong , yet ignorantly weak ; a race holding dearer [its]_{489-a race hard , keen , unlearned , superstitious , and caustic‐tongued} heirloom of loveless , joyless , bigoted virtue even than those gold and silver pieces which had ever been its passion , hidden away in earthen pipkins under old apple‐roots , or in the crannies of wall timber , of in secret nooks of oaken cupboards . [Claude Flamma]_{116-claude flamma} , [the last of this toilsome , God‐fearing , man‐begrudging , Norman stock]_{491-the last of this toilsome , god‐fearing , man‐begrudging , norman stock} , was true to the type and the traditions of [[his]_{116-claude flamma} people]_{492-his people} . [He]_{116-claude flamma} was too ignorant even to read ; but [priests]_493-priests do not deem this a fault . [He]_{116-claude flamma} was avaricious ; but may will honour a miser quicker than a spendthrift . [He]_{116-claude flamma} was cruel ; but in [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} [he]_{116-claude flamma} always took heed to give [[his]_{116-claude flamma} mare]_{495-his mare} a full feed , so that if [she]_{495-his mare} were pinched of [her]_{495-his mare} hay in [[her]_{495-his mare} stall]_{496-her stall} at [home]_497-home [none]_498-none were the wiser , for [she]_{495-his mare} had no language but that of [her]_{495-his mare} wistful black eyes ; and this is a speech to which [men]_364-men stay but little to listen . [The shrewd , old , bitter‐tongued , stern‐living man]_{500-the shrewd , old , bitter‐tongued , stern‐living man} was feared and respected with the respect that fear begets ; and in truth [he]_{116-claude flamma} had a rigid virtue in [his]_{116-claude flamma} way , and was proud of it , with scorn for those who found it hard to walk less straightly and less circumspectly than [himself]_{116-claude flamma} . [He]_{116-claude flamma} married late ; [[his]_{116-claude flamma} wife]_{501-his wife} died in childbirth ; [[his]_{116-claude flamma} daughter]_{502-his daughter} grew into the perfection of womanhood under the cold , hard , narrow rule of [his]_{116-claude flamma} severity and [his]_{116-claude flamma} superstition . [He]_{116-claude flamma} loved [her]_{495-his mare} , indeed , with as much love as it was possible for [him]_{116-claude flamma} ever to feel , and was proud of [her]_{495-his mare} beyond all other things ; saved for [her]_{495-his mare} , toiled for [her]_{495-his mare} , muttered ever that it was for [her]_{495-his mare} when at confession [he]_{116-claude flamma} related how [his]_{116-claude flamma} measures of flour had been falsely weighted , and how [he]_{116-claude flamma} had filched from the corn brought by [the widow]_{503-the widow} and [the fatherless]_{504-the fatherless} . For [her]_{495-his mare} [he]_{116-claude flamma} had sinned : from one to whom the good report of [[his]_{116-claude flamma} neighbours]_{505-his neighbours} and the respect of [his]_{116-claude flamma} own conscience were as the very breath of life , it was the strongest proof of love that [he]_{116-claude flamma} could give . But this love never gleamed one instant in [his]_{116-claude flamma} small sharp grey eyes , nor escaped ever by a single utterance from [his]_{116-claude flamma} lips . Reprimand , homily , or cynical rasping sarcasm , was all [she]_{495-his mare} ever heard from [him]_{116-claude flamma} . [She]_{495-his mare} believed that [he]_{116-claude flamma} despised , and almost hated [her]_{495-his mare} ; [he]_{116-claude flamma} held it well for [women]_365-women to be tutored in subjection and in trembling . At twenty‐two [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} was [the most beautiful woman in [Calvados]_3-calvados]_{507-the most beautiful woman in calvados} , and the most wretched . [She]_{117-reine flamma} was straight as a pine ; cold as snow ; graceful as a stem of wheat : lovely and silent ; with a mute proud face , in which the eyes alone glowed with a strange , repressed , speechless passion and wishfulness . [Her]_{117-reine flamma} life was simple , pure , chaste , blameless , as the lives of [the many women of [her]_{117-reine flamma} race who , before [her]_{117-reine flamma} , had lived and died in [the shadow of that water‐fed wood]_{509-the shadow of that water‐fed wood} had always been]_{508-the many women of her race who , before her , had lived and died in the shadow of that water‐fed wood had always been} . [[Her]_{117-reine flamma} father]_{389-her father} rebuked and girded at [her]_{117-reine flamma} , continually dreaming that [he]_{389-her father} could paint whiter even the spotlessness of this lily , refine even the purity of this virgin gold . [She]_{117-reine flamma} never answered [him]_{389-her father} anything , nor in anything contradicted [his]_{389-her father} will ; [not one amongst all [the youths]_{512-the youths} and maidens of [[her]_{117-reine flamma} birthplace]_{513-her birthplace}]_{511-not one amongst all the youths and maidens of her birthplace} had ever heard so much as a murmur of rebellion from [her]_{117-reine flamma} ; and [the priests]_{514-the priests} said that such a life as this would be fitter for [the cloister]_{515-the cloister} than the marriage‐bed . [None of [them]_{514-the priests}]_{516-none of them} ever read the warning that these dark blue slumbering eyes would have given to [any who should have had the skill to construe [them]_518-them right]_{517-any who should have had the skill to construe them right} . There were [none of such skill there]_{519-none of such skill there} ; and so [she]_{117-reine flamma} , holding [her]_{117-reine flamma} peace , [the men]_{450-the men} and [women]_365-women noted [her]_{117-reine flamma} ever with a curious dumb reverence , and said amongst [themselves]_{514-the priests} that [the race of [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma}]_{522-the race of flamma} would die well and nobly in [her]_{117-reine flamma} . “ [A saint]_{4870-a saint} ! ”_{[523-the good old gentle bishop of the district]} said [the good old gentle bishop of [the district]_{295-the district}]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} , as [he]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} blessed [her]_{117-reine flamma} one summer evening in [[[her]_{117-reine flamma} father]_{389-her father} ’s house]_{526-her father ’s house} , and rode [his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} mule slowly through [the pleasant poplar lanes]_{527-the pleasant poplar lanes} and [breeze‐blown fields of [colza]_6-colza]_{528-breeze‐blown fields of colza} back to [[his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} little quiet homestead]_{529-his little quiet homestead} , where [he]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} tended [his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} own cabbages and garnered [his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} own honey . [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} bowed [her]_{117-reine flamma} tall head meekly , and took [his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} benediction in silence . The morning after , [the miller]_{280-the miller} , rising as [his]_{280-the miller} custom was at daybreak , and reciting [his]_{280-the miller} paternosters , thanked [the Mother of [the World]_{268-the world}]_{531-the mother of the world} that [she]_{531-the mother of the world} had given [him]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} thus strength and power to rear up [[his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} motherless daughter]_{533-his motherless daughter} in purity and peace . Then [he]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} dressed [himself]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} in [his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} grey patched blouse , groped [his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} way down the narrow stair , and went in [his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} daily habit to undraw the bolts and unloose the chains of [[his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} dwelling]_{534-his dwelling} . There was no need that morning for [him]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} ; the bolts were already back ; [the house‐door]_{535-the house‐door} stood wide open ; on the threshold a brown hen perched pluming [herself]_536-herself ; there were the ticking of the clock ; the chirping of the birds , the rushing of the water ; these were the only sounds upon the silence . [He]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} called [[his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} daughter]_{502-his daughter} ’s name : there was no answer . [He]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} mounted to [[her]_{502-his daughter} chamber]_{538-her chamber} : it had [no tenant]_{539-no tenant} . [He]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} searched hither and thither , in [the house]_{323-the house} , and [the stable]_{541-the stable} , and [the granary]_{542-the granary} : in [the mill]_{281-the mill} , and [the garden]_{544-the garden} , and [the wood]_{545-the wood} ; [he]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} shouted , [he]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} ran , [he]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} roused [[his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} neighbours]_{505-his neighbours} , [he]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} looked in [every likely and unlikely place]_{547-every likely and unlikely place} : there was no reply . There was only the howl of the watch‐dog , who sat with [his]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} face to the south and mourned unceasingly . And from that day neither [he]_{523-the good old gentle bishop of the district} nor [any man living there]_{548-any man living there} ever heard again of [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . [Some]_549-some indeed did notice that at the same time there disappeared from [the town]_{482-the town} one who had been [there]_439-there through all that spring and summer . One who had lived strangely , and been clad in an odd rich fashion , and had been whispered as [an Eastern prince]_{552-an eastern prince} by reason of [his]_{552-an eastern prince} scattered gold , [his]_{552-an eastern prince} unfamiliar tongue , [his]_{552-an eastern prince} black‐browed , star‐eyed , deep‐hued beauty , like the beauty of the passion‐flower . But [none]_498-none had ever seen [this stranger]_{554-this stranger} and [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} in [each other]_{555-each other} ’s presence ; and the rumour was discredited as a foulness absurd and unseemly to be said of [a woman whom [[their]_557-their bishop]_{558-their bishop} had called [a saint]_{4870-a saint}]_{556-a woman whom their bishop had called a saint} . So it died out , breathed only by a few mouths , and it came to be accepted as a fact that [she]_{556-a woman whom their bishop had called a saint} must have perished in [the deep fast‐flowing river]_{560-the deep fast‐flowing river} by some false step on [the mill‐timber]_{561-the mill‐timber} , as [she]_{556-a woman whom their bishop had called a saint} went at dawn to feed [her]_{556-a woman whom their bishop had called a saint} doves , or by some strange sad trance of sleep‐walking , from which [she]_{556-a woman whom their bishop had called a saint} had been known more than once to suffer . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} said little ; it was a wound that bled inwardly . [He]_{552-an eastern prince} toiled , and chaffered , and drove hard bargains , and worked early and late with [[his]_{552-an eastern prince} hireling]_{562-his hireling} , and took for the household service [an old Norman peasant‐woman more aged than [himself]_{552-an eastern prince}]_{563-an old norman peasant‐woman more aged than himself} , and told [no man]_{392-no man} that [he]_{552-an eastern prince} suffered . All that [he]_{552-an eastern prince} ever said was , “ [She]_{556-a woman whom their bishop had called a saint} was [a saint]_{4870-a saint} : [God]_118-god took [her]_{556-a woman whom their bishop had called a saint} ; ”_{[552-an eastern prince]} and in [his]_{552-an eastern prince} martyrdom [he]_{552-an eastern prince} found a hard pride and a dull consolation . It was no mere metaphoric form of words with [him]_{552-an eastern prince} . [He]_{552-an eastern prince} believed in miracles and all manner of Divine interposition , and [he]_{552-an eastern prince} believed likewise that [she]_{556-a woman whom their bishop had called a saint} , [[his]_{552-an eastern prince} angel]_{565-his angel} , being too pure for earth , had been taken by [God]_118-god ’s own hand up to the bosom of [Mary]_119-mary . This honour which had befallen [[his]_{552-an eastern prince} first‐begotten]_{566-his first‐begotten} shed both sanctity and splendour on [his]_{552-an eastern prince} cheerless days ; and when [the little children]_{442-the little children} and [the women]_{472-the women} saw [him]_{552-an eastern prince} pass , [they]_{442-the little children} cleared from this way as from [a prince]_{569-a prince} ’s , and crossed [themselves]_{442-the little children} as [they]_{442-the little children} changed words with [one whose daughter was [the bride of [Christ]_113-christ]_{571-the bride of christ}]_{570-one whose daughter was the bride of christ} . So six years passed away ; and the name of [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} was almost forgotten , but embalmed in memories of religious sanctity , as the dead heart of [a saint]_{4870-a saint} is embedded in amber and myrrh . At the close of the sixth year there happened what [many]_573-many said was a thing devil‐conceived and wrought out by [the devil]_{4853-the devil} to the shame of a pure name , and to the hindrance of [the people of God]_{575-the people of god} . One winter ’s night [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} was seated in [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} kitchen]_{576-his kitchen} , having recently ridden [home]_497-home [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} mare]_{495-his mare} from the market in [the town]_{482-the town} . The fire burned in ancient fashion on the hearth , and it was so bitter without that even [his]_{115-claudis flamma} parsimonious habits had relaxed , and [he]_{115-claudis flamma} had piled some wood , liberally mingled with dry moss , that cracked , and glowed , and shot flame up the wide black shaft of the chimney . The day ’s work was over ; [the old woman‐servant]_{580-the old woman‐servant} sat spinning flax on the other side of the fire ; [the great mastiff]_{581-the great mastiff} was stretched sleeping quietly on the brick floor ; the blue pottery , the brass pans , the oaken presses that had been the riches of [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} race]_{582-his race} for generations , glimmered in the light ; the doors were barred , the shutters closed ; around [the house]_{323-the house} the winds howled , and beneath [its]_{323-the house} walls the fretting water hissed . [The miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} , nodded on [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} wooden settle and slept , and muttered dreamily in [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} sleep , “ [A saint]_{4870-a saint} — [a saint!—God]_{4873-a saint!—god} took [her]_{334-the old woman} . ”_{[584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth]} [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} , hearing , looked across at [him]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} , and shook [her]_{334-the old woman} head , and went on with [her]_{334-the old woman} spinning with lips that moved inaudibly : [she]_{334-the old woman} had been wo nt to say , out of [[her]_{334-the old woman} taskmaster]_{586-her taskmaster} ’s hearing , that [no women who was beautiful]_{587-no women who was beautiful} was ever [a saint]_{4870-a saint} as well . And some thought that this old creature , [Marie Pitchou]_120-pitchou , who had used to live in [a miserable hut on [the other side of the wood]_{590-the other side of the wood}]_{589-a miserable hut on the other side of the wood} , had known more than [she]_{334-the old woman} had chosen to tell of the true fate of [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . Suddenly a blow on the panels of the door sounded through the silence . [The miller]_{280-the miller} , awakened in a moment , started to [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} feet and grasped [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} ash staff with one hand , and with the other the oil‐lamp burning on the tressel . [The watch‐dog]_{592-the watch‐dog} arose , but made no hostile sound . A step crushed the dead leaves without and passed away faintly ; there was stillness again ; [the mastiff]_{348-the mastiff} went to the bolted door , smelt beneath it , and scratched at the panels . On the silence there sounded a small , timid , feeble beating on the wood from without ; such a slight fluttering noise as a wounded bird might make in striving to rise . “ It is nothing evil , ”_{[117-reine flamma]} muttered [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . “ If it were , evil the beast would not want to have the door opened . It may be [some one sick or stray]_{4874-some one sick or stray} . ”_{[117-reine flamma]} All this time [he]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} was in a manner charitable , often conquering the niggardly instincts of [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} character to try and save [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} soul by serving [the wretched]_{594-the wretched} . [He]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} was [a miser]_{595-a miser} , and [he]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} loved to gain , and loathed to give ; but since [[his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} daughter]_{502-his daughter} had been taken to [the saints]_{329-the saints} [he]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} had striven with all [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} might to do good enough to be taken likewise to that heavenly rest . Any crust bestowed on the starveling , any bed of straw afforded to [the tramp]_{598-the tramp} , caused [him]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} a sharp pang ; but since [[his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} daughter]_{502-his daughter} had been taken [he]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} had tried to please [God]_118-god by this mortification of [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} own avarice and diminution of [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} own gains . [He]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} could not vanquish the nature that was engrained in [him]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} . [He]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} would rob [the widow of an ephah of wheat]_{600-the widow of an ephah of wheat} , and leave [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} mare famished in [[her]_{600-the widow of an ephah of wheat} stall]_{496-her stall} , because it was [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} nature to find in all such saving a sweet savour ; but [he]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} would not turn away [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} or refuse a crust to [a wayfarer]_{603-a wayfarer} , lest , thus refusing , [he]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} might turn away from [him]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} [an angel unawares]_{604-an angel unawares} . [The mastiff]_{348-the mastiff} scratched still at the panels ; the sound outside had ceased . [The miller]_{280-the miller} , setting the lamp down on the floor , gripped more firmly the ashen stick , undrew the bolts , turned the stout key , and opened the door slowly , and with caution . A loud gust of wind blew dead leaves against [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} face ; a blinding spray of snow scattered itself over [his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} bent stretching form . In the darkness without , whitened from head to foot , there stood [a little child]_{607-a little child} . The dog went up to [her]_{607-a little child} and licked [her]_{607-a little child} face with kindly welcome . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} drew [her]_{607-a little child} with a rough grasp across the threshold , and went out into the air to find whose footsteps had been those which had trodden heavily away after the first knock . The snow , however , was falling fast ; it was a cloudy moonless night . [He]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} did not dare to go many yards from [[his]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} own portals]_{608-his own portals} , lest [he]_{584-the miller , overcome with the past cold and present warmth} should fall into some ambush set by [robbers]_609-robbers . [The mastiff]_{348-the mastiff} too was quiet which indicated that there was no danger near , so [the old man]_{335-the old man} returned , closed the door carefully , drew the bolts into their places , and came towards [the child]_{272-the child} , whom [the woman Pitchou]_{613-the woman pitchou} had drawn towards the fire . [She]_{272-the child} was [a child of four or five years old]_{614-a child of four or five years old} ; huddled in coarse linen and in a little red garment of fox ’s skin , and blanched from head to foot , for the flakes were frozen on [her]_{272-the child} and on the hood that covered , gipsy‐like , [her]_{272-the child} curls . It was [a strange , little , ice‐cold , ghost‐like figure]_{615-a strange , little , ice‐cold , ghost‐like figure} , but out of the mass of icicles and whiteness there glowed great beaming frightened eyes and a mouth like a scarlet berry ; the radiance and the contrast of it were like the glow of holly fruit thrust our from a pile of drifted snow . [The miler]_{616-the miler} shook [her]_{272-the child} by the shoulder . “ Who brought [you]_{272-the child} ? ”_{[616-the miler]} “ [Phratos]_121-phratos , ”_{[272-the child]} answered [the child]_{272-the child} , with a stifled sob in [her]_{272-the child} throat . “ And who is that ? ”_{[272-the child]} “ [Phratos]_121-phratos , ”_{[272-the child]} answered [the child]_{272-the child} again . “ Is that [a man]_{4875-a man} or [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ? ”_{[272-the child]} [The child]_{272-the child} made no reply ; [she]_{272-the child} seemed not to comprehend [his]_{616-the miler} meaning . [The miller]_{280-the miller} shook [her]_{272-the child} again , and some drops of water fell from the ice that was dissolving in the warmth . “ Why are [you]_{272-the child} come here ? ”_{[616-the miler]} [he]_{616-the miler} asked , impatiently . [She]_{272-the child} shook [her]_{272-the child} head , as though to say [none]_498-none knew so little of [herself]_{272-the child} as [she]_{272-the child} . “ [You]_{272-the child} must have a name , ”_{[616-the miler]} [he]_{616-the miler} pursued harshly and in perplexity . “ What are [you]_{272-the child} called ? Who are [you]_{272-the child} ? ”_{[616-the miler]} [The child]_{272-the child} suddenly raised [her]_{272-the child} great eyes that had been fastened on the leaping flames , and flashed them upon [his]_{616-the miler} in a terror of bewildered ignorance — the piteous terror of a stray dog . “ [Phratos]_121-phratos , ”_{[272-the child]} [she]_{272-the child} cried once more , and the cry now was half a sigh , half a shriek . Something in that regard pierced [him]_{616-the miler} and startled [him]_{616-the miler} ; [he]_{616-the miler} dropped [his]_{616-the miler} hand off [her]_{272-the child} shoulder , and breathed quickly ; [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} gave a low cry , and staring with all [her]_{334-the old woman} might at [the child]_{272-the child} ’s small dark , fierce , lovely face , fell to counting [her]_{334-the old woman} wooden beads and mumbling many prayers . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} turned savagely on [her]_{272-the child} as if stung by some unseen snake , and willing to wreak [his]_{115-claudis flamma} vengeance on the nearest thing that was at hand . “ [Fool]_4877-fool ! cease [your]_4877-fool prating ! ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} [he]_{115-claudis flamma} muttered , with a brutal oath . “ Take the animal and search [her]_{272-the child} . Bring [me]_{115-claudis flamma} what [you]_4877-fool find . ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} Then [he]_{616-the miler} sat down on the stool by the fire , and braced [his]_{616-the miler} lips tightly , and locked [his]_{616-the miler} bony hands upon [his]_{616-the miler} knees . [He]_{616-the miler} knew what blow awaited [him]_{616-the miler} ; [he]_{616-the miler} was [no coward]_{625-no coward} , and [he]_{616-the miler} had manhood enough in [him]_{616-the miler} to press any iron into [his]_{616-the miler} soul and tell none that it hurt [him]_{616-the miler} . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} drew [the stranger]_{627-the stranger} aside to a dusky corner of [an inner chamber]_{628-an inner chamber} , and began to despoil [her]_{627-the stranger} of [her]_{334-the old woman} coverings . [The creature]_{629-the creature} did not resist ; the freezing cold and long fatigue had numbed and silenced [her]_{627-the stranger} : [her]_{627-the stranger} eyelids were heavy with the sleep such cold produces , and [she]_{627-the stranger} had not strength , because [she]_{627-the stranger} had not consciousness enough , to oppose whatsoever [they]_630-they might choose to do to [her]_{627-the stranger} . Only now and then [her]_{627-the stranger} eyes opened , as they had opened on [him]_{616-the miler} , with a sudden lustre and fierceness , like those in a netted animal ’s impatient but untamed regard . [Pitchou]_120-pitchou seized and searched [her]_{627-the stranger} eagerly , stripping [her]_{627-the stranger} of [her]_{627-the stranger} warm fox‐skin wrap , [her]_{627-the stranger} scarlet hood of wool , [her]_{627-the stranger} little rough hempen shirt , which were all dripping with the water from the melted snow . The skin of [the young waif]_{631-the young waif} was brown , with a golden bloom on it ; it had been tanned by hot suns , but it was soft as silk in texture , and transparent , showing the course of each blue vein . [Her]_{627-the stranger} limbs were not well nourished , but they were of perfect shaped and delicate bone ; and the feet were the long , arched , slender feet of the southern side of [the Pyrenees]_{12-the pyrenees} . [She]_{627-the stranger} allowed [herself]_{627-the stranger} to be stripped and wrapped in a coarse piece of homespun linen ; [she]_{627-the stranger} was still half frozen , and in a state of stupor , either from amazement or from fear . [She]_{627-the stranger} was quite passive , and [she]_{627-the stranger} never spoke . [Her]_{627-the stranger} apathy deceived [the old crone]_{632-the old crone} , who took it for docility , and who , trusting to it , proceeded to take advantage of it , after the manner of [her]_{632-the old crone} kind . About the small shapely head there hung a band of glittering coins ; they were not gold , but [the woman]_{633-the woman} [Pitchou]_120-pitchou thought they were , and seized them with gloating hands and ravenous eyes . [The child]_{272-the child} started from [her]_{272-the child} torpor , shook [herself]_{272-the child} free , and fought to guard them — fiercely , with tooth and nail , as [the young fox whose skin [she]_{627-the stranger} had worn might have fought for [its]_{635-the young fox whose skin she had worn might have fought for its dear life} dear life]_{635-the young fox whose skin she had worn might have fought for its dear life} . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} on [her]_{627-the stranger} side strove as resolutely ; long curls of [the child]_{272-the child} ’s hair were clutched in the struggle ; [she]_{627-the stranger} did not wince or scream , but [she]_{627-the stranger} fought — fought with all the breath and blood that were in [her]_{627-the stranger} tiny body . [She]_{627-the stranger} was no match , with all [her]_{627-the stranger} ferocity and fury , for the sinewy grip of [the old peasant]_{638-the old peasant} ; and the coins were torn off [her]_{627-the stranger} forehead and hidden away in a hole in the wood , out of [her]_{627-the stranger} sight , where [the old peasant]_{638-the old peasant} hoarded all [her]_{627-the stranger} precious treasures of copper coins and other trifles that [she]_{627-the stranger} managed to secrete from [[her]_{627-the stranger} master]_{640-her master} ’s all‐seeing eyes . They were little metal sequins engraved with Arabic characters , chained together after the Eastern fashion . To [Pitchou]_120-pitchou they looked a diadem of gold worthy of [an empress]_{641-an empress} . [The child]_{272-the child} watched [them]_643-them thus removed in perfect silence ; from the moment [they]_643-them had been wrenched away , and the battle had been finally lost to [her]_{627-the stranger} , [she]_{627-the stranger} had ceased to struggle , as though disdainful of a fruitless contest . But a great hate gathered in [her]_{627-the stranger} eyes , and smouldered there like a half‐stifled fire — it burnt on for many a long year afterwards , unquenched . When [Pitchou]_120-pitchou brought [her]_{627-the stranger} a cup of water and a roll of bread , [she]_{627-the stranger} would neither eat nor drink , but turned [her]_{627-the stranger} face to the wall,—mute . “ Those are just [[her]_{627-the stranger} father]_{389-her father} ’s eyes , ”_{[334-the old woman]} [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} muttered . [She]_{334-the old woman} had seen them burn in the gloom of the evening through the orchard trees , as the stars had risen , and [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} listened to the voice that wooed [her]_{334-the old woman} to [her]_{334-the old woman} destruction . [She]_{334-the old woman} let [the child]_{272-the child} be , and searched [her]_{334-the old woman} soaked garments for any written word or any token that might be on them . Fastened roughly to the fox ’s skin there was a faded letter . [Pitchou]_120-pitchou could not read ; [she]_120-pitchou took it to [[her]_120-pitchou master]_{640-her master} . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} grasped the paper and turned its superscription to the light of the lamp . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} could not read , by yet at sight of [the characters]_{647-the characters} [his]_{115-claudis flamma} tough frame trembled , and [his]_{115-claudis flamma} withered skin grew red with a sickly , feverish quickening of the blood . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} knew [them]_{647-the characters} . Once , in a time long dead , [he]_{115-claudis flamma} had been proud of those slender letters that had been so far more legible than any that [the women of [her]_{334-the old woman} class]_{648-the women of her class} could pen , and on beholding which [the good bishop]_{649-the good bishop} had smiled , and passed a pleasant word concerning [her]_{334-the old woman} being almost fitted to be [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} own clerk]_{650-his own clerk} and [scribe]_651-scribe . For a moment , watching those written cyphers that had no tongue for [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , and yet seemed to tell [their]_{647-the characters} tale so that they scorched and withered up all the fair honour and pious peace of [his]_{115-claudis flamma} old age , a sudden faintness , a sudden swooning sense seized [him]_{115-claudis flamma} for the first time in all [his]_{115-claudis flamma} life ; [his]_{115-claudis flamma} limbs failed [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , [he]_{115-claudis flamma} sank down on [his]_{115-claudis flamma} seat again , [he]_{115-claudis flamma} gasped for breath ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} needed not to be told anything , [he]_{115-claudis flamma} knew all . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} knew that [the creature whom [he]_{115-claudis flamma} had believed so pure that [God]_118-god had deemed [the earth]_{288-the earth} unworthy of [her]_{652-the creature whom he had believed so pure that god had deemed the earth unworthy of her youth} youth]_{652-the creature whom he had believed so pure that god had deemed the earth unworthy of her youth} was — [his]_{115-claudis flamma} throat rattled , [his]_{115-claudis flamma} lips were covered with foam , [his]_{115-claudis flamma} ears were filled with a rushing , hollow sound , like the roaring of [his]_{115-claudis flamma} own mill‐waters in a time of storm . All at once [he]_{115-claudis flamma} started to [his]_{115-claudis flamma} feet , and glared at the empty space of [the dim chamber]_{654-the dim chamber} , and struck [his]_{115-claudis flamma} hands wildly together in the air , and cried aloud : “ [She]_{652-the creature whom he had believed so pure that god had deemed the earth unworthy of her youth} was [a saint]_{4870-a saint} , [I]_{115-claudis flamma} said — [a saint]_{4870-a saint} ! [A saint]_{4870-a saint} in body and soul ! And [I]_{115-claudis flamma} thought that [God]_118-god begrudged [her]_{652-the creature whom he had believed so pure that god had deemed the earth unworthy of her youth} , and held [her]_{652-the creature whom he had believed so pure that god had deemed the earth unworthy of her youth} too pure for [man]_4882-man ! ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} And [he]_{115-claudis flamma} laughed aloud — thrice . [The child]_{272-the child} hearing , and heavy with sleep , and eagerly desiring warmth , as [a little frozen beast that coils itself in snow to slumber into death , startled by that horrible mirth]_{656-a little frozen beast that coils itself in snow to slumber into death , startled by that horrible mirth} , came forward . The shirt fell off [her]_{272-the child} as [she]_{272-the child} moved . [Her]_{272-the child} little naked limbs glimmered like gold in the dusky light ; [her]_{272-the child} hair was as a cloud behind [her]_{272-the child} ; [her]_{272-the child} little scarlet mouth was half open , like the mouth of [a child]_{657-a child} seeking [[its]_{657-a child} mother]_{658-its mother} ’s kiss ; [her]_{272-the child} great eyes , dazzled by the flame , flashed and burned and shone like stars . [They]_659-they had seen the same face ere then in [Calvados]_3-calvados . [She]_{272-the child} came straight to [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} as though drawn by that awful and discordant laughter , and by that leaping ruddy flame upon the hearth , and [she]_{272-the child} stretched out [her]_{272-the child} arms and muttered a word and smiled , a little dreamily , seeking to sleep , asking to be caressed , desiring [she]_{272-the child} knew not what . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} clenched [his]_{115-claudis flamma} fist , and struck [her]_{272-the child} to the ground . [She]_{272-the child} fell without a sound . The blood flowed from [her]_{272-the child} mouth . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} looked at [her]_{272-the child} where [she]_{272-the child} lay , and laughed once more . “ [She]_{272-the child} was [a saint!—a saint]_{4883-a saint!—a saint} ! And the devil begot in [her]_{272-the child} that ! ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} Then [he]_{115-claudis flamma} went our across the threshold and into the night , with the letter still clenched in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} hand . The snow fell , the storm raged , [the earth]_{288-the earth} was covered with ice and water ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} took no heed , but passed through it , [his]_{115-claudis flamma} head bare and [his]_{115-claudis flamma} eyes blind . The dog let [him]_{115-claudis flamma} go forth alone , and waited by [the child]_{272-the child} . ALL night long [he]_{115-claudis flamma} was absent . [The old serving woman]_{662-the old serving woman} , terrified in so far as [her]_{662-the old serving woman} dull brutish nature could be roused to fear , did what [she]_{662-the old serving woman} knew , what [she]_{662-the old serving woman} dared . [She]_{662-the old serving woman} raised [the little wounded naked creature]_{663-the little wounded naked creature} , and carried [her]_{663-the little wounded naked creature} to [[her]_{662-the old serving woman} own pallet bed]_{664-her own pallet bed} ; restored [her]_{663-the little wounded naked creature} to consciousness by such rude means as [she]_{662-the old serving woman} had knowledge of , and staunched the flow of blood . [She]_{662-the old serving woman} did all this harshly , as it was [her]_{662-the old serving woman} custom to do all things , and without tenderness or even pity , for the sight of [this stranger]_{554-this stranger} was unwelcome to [her]_{662-the old serving woman} , and [she]_{662-the old serving woman} also had guessed the message of that unread letter . [The child]_{272-the child} had been stunned by the blow , and [she]_{272-the child} had lost some blood , and was weakened and stupefied and dazed ; yet there seemed to [her]_{272-the child} rough nurse no peril for [her]_{272-the child} life , and by degrees [she]_{272-the child} fell into a feverish , tossing slumber , sobbing sometimes in [her]_{272-the child} sleep , and crying perpetually on the unknown name of [Phratos]_121-phratos . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} [Pitchou]_120-pitchou stood and looked at [her]_{272-the child} . [She]_{334-the old woman} , who had always known the true story of the disappearance which [some had called death]_{668-some had called death} and [some had deemed a divine interposition]_{669-some had deemed a divine interposition} , had seen before that transparent brown skin , those hues in cheeks and lips like the carnation leaves , that rich , sun‐fed , dusky beauty , those straight dark brows . “ [She]_{334-the old woman} is [his]_{334-the old woman} sure enough , ”_{[334-the old woman]} [she]_{334-the old woman} muttered . “ [He]_{334-the old woman} was the first with [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . [I]_{334-the old woman} wonder has [he]_{334-the old woman} been the last . ”_{[334-the old woman]} And [she]_{334-the old woman} went down the stairs chuckling , as [the low human brute]_{670-the low human brute} will at any evil thought . [The mastiff]_{348-the mastiff} stayed beside [the child]_{272-the child} . [She]_{334-the old woman} went to the fire and threw more wood one , and sat down again to [her]_{334-the old woman} spinning‐wheel , and span and dozed , and span and dozed again . [She]_{334-the old woman} was not curious : to [her]_{334-the old woman} , possessing that thread to the secret of the past , which [[her]_{334-the old woman} master]_{640-her master} and [[her]_{334-the old woman} townsfolk]_{674-her townsfolk} had never held , it all seemed natural . It was an old , old story ; there had been thousands like it ; it was only strange because [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} had been held [a saint]_{4870-a saint} . The hours passed on ; the lamp paled , and its flame at last died out ; in the loft above , where the dog watched , there was no sound ; [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} slumbered undisturbed , unless some falling ember of the wood aroused [her]_{334-the old woman} . [She]_{334-the old woman} was not curious , nor did [she]_{334-the old woman} care how [the child]_{272-the child} fared . [She]_{334-the old woman} had led that deadening life of perpetual labour and of perpetual want in which the human animal becomes either a machine or [a devil]_{678-a devil} . [She]_{334-the old woman} was [a machine]_{679-a machine} ; put to what use [she]_{334-the old woman} might be — to spin flax , to card wool , to wring a pigeon ’s throat , to bleed a calf to death , to bake or stew , to mumble a prayer or drown a kitten , it was all one to [her]_{334-the old woman} . If [she]_{334-the old woman} had a preference it might be for the office that hurt some living thing ; but [she]_{334-the old woman} did not care ; all [she]_{334-the old woman} heeded was whether [she]_{334-the old woman} had pottage enough to eat at noonday , and the leaden effigy of [her]_{334-the old woman} Mary safe round [her]_{334-the old woman} throat at night . The night went on , and passed away ; one gleam of dawn shone through a round hole in the shutter ; [she]_{334-the old woman} wakened with a start to find the sun arisen , and the fire dead upon the hearth . [She]_{334-the old woman} shook [herself]_{334-the old woman} and stamped [her]_{334-the old woman} chill feet upon the bricks , and tottered on [her]_{334-the old woman} feeble way , with frozen body , to [the house]_{323-the house} door . [She]_{334-the old woman} drew it slowly open , and saw by the light of the sun that it had been for some time morning . [The earth]_{288-the earth} was everywhere thick with snow ; a hoar frost sparkled over all the branches ; great sheets of ice were whirled down the rapid mill‐stream ; in one of the leafless boughs a robin sang , and beneath the bough a cat was crouched , waiting with hungry eager eyes , patient even in its famished impatience . Dull as [her]_{334-the old woman} sympathy was , and slow [her]_{334-the old woman} mind , [she]_{334-the old woman} started as [she]_{334-the old woman} saw [[her]_{334-the old woman} master]_{640-her master} there . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} was at work ; the rough , hard , rude toil which [he]_{115-claudis flamma} spared to [himself]_{115-claudis flamma} no more than to [those who were [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} hirelings]_{684-his hirelings}]_{683-those who were his hirelings} . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} was carting wood ; going to and fro with huge limbs of trees that [men in youth]_{685-men in youth} would have found it a severe task to move ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} was labouring breathlessly , giving [himself]_{115-claudis flamma} no pause , and the sweat was on [his]_{115-claudis flamma} brow , although [he]_{115-claudis flamma} trod ankle deep in snow , and although [his]_{115-claudis flamma} clothes were heavy with icicles . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} did not see or hear [her]_{334-the old woman} ; [she]_{334-the old woman} went up to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} and called [him]_{115-claudis flamma} by name ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} started , and raised [his]_{115-claudis flamma} head and looked at [her]_{334-the old woman} . Dull though [she]_{334-the old woman} was , [she]_{334-the old woman} was in a manner frightened by the change upon [his]_{115-claudis flamma} face ; it had been lean , furrowed , weather‐beaten always , but it was livid now , with bloodshot eyes , and a bruised , broken , yet withal savage look that terrified [her]_{334-the old woman} . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} did not speak , but gazed at [her]_{334-the old woman} like [a man recalled from some drugged sleep back to the deeds and memories of the living world]_{686-a man recalled from some drugged sleep back to the deeds and memories of the living world} . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} held [her]_{334-the old woman} peace a few moments ; then spoke out in [her]_{334-the old woman} own blunt , dogged fashion . “ Is [she]_{272-the child} to stay ? ”_{[334-the old woman]} [Her]_{334-the old woman} mind was not awake enough for any curiosity ; [she]_{334-the old woman} only cared to know if [the child]_{272-the child} stayed : only so much as would concern [her]_{334-the old woman} soup kettle , [her]_{334-the old woman} kneaded dough , [her]_{334-the old woman} spun hemp , [her]_{334-the old woman} household labour . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} turned for a second with the gesture that a trapped fox may make , held fast , yet striving to essay a death grip ; then [he]_{115-claudis flamma} checked [himself]_{115-claudis flamma} , and gave a mute sign of assent , and heaved up a fresh log of wood , and went on with [his]_{115-claudis flamma} labours , silently . [She]_{334-the old woman} knew of old [his]_{115-claudis flamma} ways too well to venture to ask more . [She]_{334-the old woman} knew , too , that when [he]_{115-claudis flamma} worked like this , fasting and in silence , there had been long and fierce warfare in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} soul , and some great evil done for which [he]_{115-claudis flamma} sought to make atonement . So [she]_{334-the old woman} left [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , and passed in to [the house]_{323-the house} , and built up afresh [her]_{334-the old woman} fire , and swept [her]_{334-the old woman} chamber out , and fastened up [her]_{334-the old woman} round black pot to boil , and muttered all the while , — “ Another mouth to feed ; another breast to tend . ”_{[334-the old woman]} And the thing was bitter to [her]_{334-the old woman} ; because it gave trouble and took food . Now , what the letter had been , or who had deciphered it for [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} never told to [any man]_{4852-any man} ; and from [the little strange creature]_{691-the little strange creature} no utterance could be ever got . But [the child who had come in the night and the snow]_{692-the child who had come in the night and the snow} tarried at [Yprès]_11-yprès from that time thenceforward . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} nourished , sheltered , clothed [her]_{334-the old woman} ; but [he]_{115-claudis flamma} did all these begrudgingly , harshly , scantily ; and [he]_{115-claudis flamma} did all these with an acrid hate and scorn , which did not cease , but rather grew with time . The blow which had been [her]_{334-the old woman} earliest welcome was not the first that [she]_{334-the old woman} received from [him]_{115-claudis flamma} by [many]_573-many ; and whilst [she]_{334-the old woman} was miserable exceedingly , [she]_{334-the old woman} showed it , not as [children]_366-children do , but rather like some chained and untamed animal , in fearless stupor and in sudden , sharp ferocity . And this the more because [she]_{334-the old woman} spoke but a very few words of the language of [the people amongst whom [she]_{334-the old woman} had been brought]_{695-the people amongst whom she had been brought} ; [her]_{334-the old woman} own tongue was one full of round vowels and strange sounds , a tongue unknown to [them]_{695-the people amongst whom she had been brought} . For many weeks [he]_{115-claudis flamma} said not one word to [her]_{334-the old woman} , cast not one look at [her]_{334-the old woman} ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} let [her]_{334-the old woman} lead the same life that was led by the beetles that crawled in the timbers , or by the pigs that couched and were kicked in the straw . [The woman Pitchou]_{613-the woman pitchou} gave [her]_{334-the old woman} such poor scraps of garments or of victuals as [she]_{334-the old woman} chose ; [she]_{334-the old woman} could crouch in the corner of the hearth where the fire warmth reached ; [she]_{334-the old woman} could sleep in the hay in [the little loft under the roof]_{697-the little loft under the roof} ; so much [she]_{334-the old woman} could do and no more . After that first moment in which [her]_{334-the old woman} vague appeal for pity and for rest had been answered by the blow that struck [her]_{334-the old woman} senseless , [the child]_{272-the child} had never made a moan , nor sought for any solace . All the winter through [she]_{334-the old woman} lay curled up on the tiles by the fence , with [her]_{334-the old woman} arms round the great body of the dog and [his]_{115-claudis flamma} head upon [her]_{334-the old woman} chest ; [they]_699-they were both starved , beaten , kicked , and scourged , with brutal words oftentimes ; [they]_699-they had the community of misfortune , and [they]_699-they loved [one another]_{700-one another} . The blow on [her]_{334-the old woman} head , the coldness of the season , the scanty food that was cast to [her]_{334-the old woman} , all united to keep [her]_{334-the old woman} brain stupefied and [her]_{334-the old woman} body almost motionless . [She]_{334-the old woman} was like [a young bear that is motherless , wounded , frozen , famished]_{701-a young bear that is motherless , wounded , frozen , famished} , but which , coiled in an almost continual slumber , keeps its blood flowing and its limbs alive . And , like the bear , with the spring [she]_{334-the old woman} awakened . When [the townsfolk]_{702-the townsfolk} and [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} came to [the mill]_{281-the mill} , and first saw [this creature]_{705-this creature} [there]_439-there , with [her]_{334-the old woman} wondrous vivid hues , and [her]_{334-the old woman} bronzed half‐naked limbs , [they]_699-they regarded [her]_{334-the old woman} in amazement , and asked [the miller]_{280-the miller} whence [she]_{334-the old woman} came . [He]_{280-the miller} set [his]_{280-the miller} teeth , and answered ever : “ [The woman that bore [her]_{334-the old woman}]_{4884-the woman that bore her} was [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . ”_{[280-the miller]} [The avowal]_{708-the avowal} was a penance set to [himself]_{280-the miller} , but to it [he]_{280-the miller} never added more ; and [they]_699-they feared [his]_{280-the miller} bitter temper and [his]_{280-the miller} caustic tongue too greatly to press it on [him]_{280-the miller} , or even to ask [him]_{280-the miller} whether [[his]_{280-the miller} daughter]_{502-his daughter} were with the living or the dead . With the unfolding of the young leaves , and the loosening of the frost‐bound waters , and the unveiling of the violet and the primrose under the shadows of the wood , all budding life revives , and so did [hers]_{334-the old woman} . For [she]_{334-the old woman} could escape from the dead , cold , bitter atmosphere of [the silent and loveless house]_{710-the silent and loveless house} , where [her]_{334-the old woman} bread was begrudged , and the cudgel was [[her]_{334-the old woman} teacher]_{711-her teacher} , out into the freshness and the living sunshine of the young blossoming world , where the birds and the beasts and the tender blue flowers and the curling green boughs were [[her]_{334-the old woman} comrades]_{712-her comrades} , and where [she]_{334-the old woman} could stretch [her]_{334-the old woman} limbs in freedom , and coil [herself]_{334-the old woman} among the branches , and steep [her]_{334-the old woman} limbs in the coolness of waters , and bathe [her]_{334-the old woman} aching feet in the moisture of rain‐filled grasses . With the spring [she]_{334-the old woman} arose , the true forest animal [she]_{334-the old woman} was ; wild , fleet , incapable of fear , sure of foot , in unison with all the things of [the earth]_{288-the earth} and air , and stirred by [them]_714-them to a strange , dumb , ignorant , passionate gladness . [She]_{334-the old woman} had been scarce seen in the winter ; with the breaking of the year [the people from more distant places , who rode [their]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} mules down to mill on [their]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} various errands]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} , stared at [this child]_{716-this child} and wondered amongst [themselves]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} greatly , and at length asked [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} whence [she]_{334-the old woman} came . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} answered ever , setting hard [his]_{115-claudis flamma} teeth : “ [The woman that bore [her]_{334-the old woman}]_{4884-the woman that bore her} was one accursed , whom [men]_364-men deemed [a saint]_{4870-a saint} — [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} [They]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} dared not ask [him]_{115-claudis flamma} more ; for [many]_573-many were [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} debtors]_{718-his debtors} . But when [they]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} went away , and gossiped amongst [themselves]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} by the wayside well or under the awnings of [the market stalls]_{719-the market stalls} , [they]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} said to [one another]_{700-one another} that it was just as [they]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} had thought long ago ; the creature had been no better than [[her]_{334-the old woman} kind]_{721-her kind} ; and [they]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} had never credited the fable that [God]_118-god had taken [her]_{334-the old woman} , though [they]_{715-the people from more distant places , who rode their mules down to mill on their various errands} had humoured [the miller]_{280-the miller} because [he]_{280-the miller} was aged and in [his]_{280-the miller} dotage . Whilst [one old woman]_{723-one old woman} , [a withered and witch‐like crone]_{724-a withered and witch‐like crone} , who had toiled in from [the fishing village]_{725-the fishing village} with a kreel upon [her]_{723-one old woman} back and the smell of [the sea]_{405-the sea} about [her]_{723-one old woman} rags , heard , standing in [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} , and laughed , and mocked [them]_728-you , [these seers who were so wise after the years]_{729-these seers who were so wise after the years} had gone , and when the truth was clear . “ [You]_728-you knew , [you]_728-you knew , [you]_728-you knew ! ”_{[723-one old woman]} [she]_{723-one old woman} echoed , with a grin upon [her]_{723-one old woman} face . “ Oh yes ! [you]_728-you were so wise ! Who , seven years through , said that [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} was [a saint]_{4870-a saint} , and taken by [the saints]_{329-the saints} into [their]_{329-the saints} keeping ? And who hissed at [me]_{723-one old woman} for [a foul‐mouthed crone]_{4890-a foul‐mouthed crone} when [I]_{723-one old woman} said that [the devil]_{4853-the devil} had more to do with [her]_{723-one old woman} than [the good God]_{4851-the good god} , and that [the black‐browed gipsy]_{4893-the black‐browed gipsy} , with jewels for eyes in [his]_{4893-the black‐browed gipsy} head , like the toad , was [the only master to whom [she]_{723-one old woman} gave [herself]_{723-one old woman}]_{4894-the only master to whom she gave herself} ? Oh‐hè , [you]_730-they were so wise ! ”_{[723-one old woman]} [She]_{723-one old woman} mocked [them]_730-they , and [they]_730-they were ashamed , and held [their]_730-they peace ; well knowing that indeed [no creature amongst [them]_730-they had ever been esteemed so pure , so chaste , and so honoured of heaven as had been [[the miller]_{280-the miller} ’s daughter]_{733-the miller ’s daughter}]_{731-no creature amongst them had ever been esteemed so pure , so chaste , and so honoured of heaven as had been the miller ’s daughter} . [Many]_573-many remembered [the “ gipsy with the jewelled eyes , ”]_{4895-the “ gipsy with the jewelled eyes , ”[4895-the “ gipsy with the jewelled eyes , ”]} and was those brilliant , fathomless , midnight eyes reproduced in the small rich face of [the child whom [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} , as [[her]_{117-reine flamma} own father]_{736-her own father}]_{735-the child whom reine flamma , as her own father} said , had borne in shame whist [they]_737-they had been glorifying [her]_{117-reine flamma} apotheosis . And it came to be said , as time went on , that [this unknown stranger]_{738-this unknown stranger} had been [the fiend]_{739-the fiend} [himself]_{739-the fiend} , taking human shape for the destruction of one pure soul , and the confusion of [all true children of the church]_{740-all true children of the church} . Legend and tradition still held fast [their]_730-they minds in this remote , ancient , and priest‐ridden place ; in [their]_730-they belief [the devil]_{4853-the devil} was still a living power , traversing [the earth]_{288-the earth} and air in search of souls , and not seldom triumphing : of metaphor or myth [they]_730-they were not ignorant ; [Satan]_122-satan to [them]_730-they was a personality , terrific , and oftentimes irresistible , assuming at will shapes grotesque or awful , human or spiritual . [[Their]_730-they forefathers]_{743-their forefathers} had beheld [him]_{4853-the devil} ; why not [they]_{743-their forefathers} ? So [the henhucksters]_{744-the henhucksters} and [poulterers]_{745-poulterers} , [the cider makers]_{746-the cider makers} and [tanners]_747-tanners , [the fisherfolk]_{748-the fisherfolk} from [the sea‐board]_{749-the sea‐board} , and [the peasant proprietors from [the country]_{751-the country} round]_{750-the peasant proprietors from the country round} , came at length in all seriousness to regard [the young child]_{369-the young child} at Yprès as a devil‐born thing . “ [She]_{369-the young child} was [hell‐begotten]_{4896-hell‐begotten} , ”_[730-they] [they]_730-they would mutter , when [they]_730-they saw [her]_{369-the young child} ; and [they]_730-they would cross [themselves]_730-they , and avoid [her]_{369-the young child} if [they]_730-they could . The time had gone by , unhappily , as [they]_730-they considered , when [men]_364-men had been permitted to burn such creatures as this ; [they]_730-they knew it and were sorry for it ; [the world]_{268-the world} , [they]_730-they thought , had been better when [Jews]_123-jews had blazed like torches , and [witches]_755-witches had crackled like firewood ; such treats were forbidden now , [they]_730-they knew , but [many]_573-many , for all that , thought within [themselves]_573-many that it was a pity it should be so , and that it was mistaken mercy in the age [they]_573-many lived in which forbade the purifying of [the earth]_{288-the earth} by fire of such as [she]_{369-the young child} . In the winter time , when [they]_730-they first saw [her]_{369-the young child} , unusual floods swept [the country]_{751-the country} , and destroyed much of [[their]_730-they property]_{759-their property} ; in the spring which followed there were mildew and sickness everywhere : in the summer there was a long drought , and by consequence there came a bad harvest , and great suffering and scarcity . There were not a few in [the district]_{295-the district} who attributed all these woes to the advent of [the child of darkness]_{761-the child of darkness} , and who murmured openly in [[their]_730-they huts and [homesteads]_{763-homesteads}]_{762-their huts and homesteads} that no good would befall [them]_730-they so long as [this offspring of hell]_{764-this offspring of hell} were suffered in [their]_730-they midst . Since , however , the time was past when [the broad market‐place]_{765-the broad market‐place} could have been filled with [a curious , breathless , eager crowd]_{766-a curious , breathless , eager crowd} , and the grey cathedral have grown red in the glare of flames fed by [a young living body]_{767-a young living body} , [they]_730-they held [their]_730-they hands from doing [her]_{369-the young child} harm , and said these things only in [their]_730-they own ingle‐nooks , and contented [themselves]_730-they with forbidding [[their]_730-they children]_{768-their children} to consort with [her]_{369-the young child} , and with drawing [their]_730-they mules to the other side of [the road]_{4855-the road} when [they]_730-they met [her]_{369-the young child} . [They]_730-they did not mean to be cruel ; [they]_730-they only acted in [their]_730-they own self‐defence , and dealt with [her]_{369-the young child} as [their]_730-they fellow‐countrymen dealt with a cagote—“only . ”_[730-they] Hence , when , with the reviving year [the child]_{272-the child} ’s dulled brain awakened , and all the animal activity in [her]_{272-the child} sprang into vigorous action , [she]_{272-the child} found [herself]_{272-the child} shunned , marked , and glanced at with averted looks of mingled dread and scorn . “ [A daughter of the devil]_{4897-a daughter of the devil} ! ”_{[272-the child]} [she]_{272-the child} heard again and again muttered as [they]_730-they passed [her]_{272-the child} ; [she]_{272-the child} grew to take shelter in this repute as in [a fortress]_{771-a fortress} , and to be proud , with a savage pride , of [her]_{272-the child} imputed origin . It made [her]_{272-the child} a little fierce , mute , fearless , reckless , all‐daring , and all enduring animal . An animal in [her]_{272-the child} ferocities , [her]_{272-the child} mute instincts , [her]_{272-the child} supreme patience , [her]_{272-the child} physical perfectness of body and of health . Perfect of shape and hue ; full of force to resist ; ignorant either of hope or fear ; de‐ siring only one thing , liberty ; with no knowledge , but with unerring instinct . [She]_{272-the child} was at an age when [happier creatures]_{772-happier creatures} have scarce escaped from [[their]_{772-happier creatures} mother]_{773-their mother} ’s arms ; but [she]_{272-the child} had not even thus early a memory of [[her]_{272-the child} mother]_{774-her mother} , and [she]_{272-the child} had been shaken off to live or die , to fight or famish , as a young fox whose dam has been flung to the hounds is driven away to starve in [the winter woods]_{775-the winter woods} , or save [himself]_776-himself , if [he]_776-himself have strength , by slaughter . [She]_{272-the child} was a tame animal only in one thing:—she took blows uncomplainingly , and as though comprehending that they were [her]_{272-the child} inevitable portion . “ [The child of [the devil]_{4853-the devil}]_{4898-the child of the devil} ! ”_[777-they] [they]_777-they said . In a dumb , half unconscious fashion , [this five‐year‐old creature]_{778-this five‐year‐old creature} wondered sometimes why [the devil]_{4853-the devil} had not been good enough to give [her]_{272-the child} a skin that would not feel , and veins that would not bleed . [She]_{272-the child} had always been beaten ever since [her]_{272-the child} birth ; [she]_{272-the child} was beaten here ; [she]_{272-the child} thought it a law of life , as [other children]_{780-other children} think it such to have [[their]_{780-other children} mother]_{773-their mother} ’s kiss and [their]_{780-other children} daily food and nightly prayer . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} did after [his]_{115-claudis flamma} manner [his]_{115-claudis flamma} duty by [her]_{272-the child} . [She]_{272-the child} was to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} a thing accursed , possessed , loathsome , imbued with evil from [her]_{272-the child} origin ; but [he]_{115-claudis flamma} did what [he]_{115-claudis flamma} deemed [his]_{115-claudis flamma} duty . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} clothe [her]_{272-the child} , if scantily ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} fed [her]_{272-the child} , if meagrely ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} lashed [her]_{272-the child} with all the caustic gibes that came naturally to [his]_{115-claudis flamma} tongue ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} set [her]_{272-the child} hard tasks to keep [her]_{272-the child} from idleness ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} beat [her]_{272-the child} when [she]_{272-the child} did not , and not seldom when [she]_{272-the child} did , them . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} dashed holy water on [her]_{272-the child} many times ; and used a stick to [her]_{272-the child} without mercy . After this light [he]_{115-claudis flamma} did [his]_{115-claudis flamma} duty . That [he]_{115-claudis flamma} should hate [her]_{272-the child} , was to fulfil a duty also in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} eyes ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} had always been told that it was right to abhor the things of darkness ; and to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} [she]_{272-the child} was a thing of utter darkness , [a thing born of the black ruin of a stainless soul]_{782-a thing born of the black ruin of a stainless soul} , begotten by the pollution and corruption of [an infernal tempter]_{783-an infernal tempter} . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} never questioned [her]_{272-the child} as to [her]_{272-the child} past — that short past , like the span of an insect ’s life , which yet had sufficed to gift [her]_{272-the child} with passions , with instincts , with desires , even with memories,—in a word , with character:—a character [he]_{115-claudis flamma} could neither change nor break ; a thing formed already , for good or for evil , abidingly . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} never spoke to [her]_{272-the child} except in sharp irony or in curt command . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} set [her]_{272-the child} hard tasks of bodily labour which [she]_{272-the child} did not dispute , but accomplished so far as [her]_{272-the child} small strength lay , with a mute dogged patience , half ferocity , half passiveness . In those first winter days of [her]_{272-the child} arrival [he]_{115-claudis flamma} called [her]_{272-the child} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ; taking the most worthless , the most useless , the most abject , the most despised thing [he]_{115-claudis flamma} knew in all [his]_{115-claudis flamma} daily life from which to name [her]_{272-the child} ; and the name adhered to [her]_{272-the child} , and was the only one by which [she]_{272-the child} was ever known . Folle‐Farine!—as one may say , the Dust . In time [she]_{272-the child} grew to believe that it was really [hers]_{272-the child} ; even as in time [she]_{272-the child} began to forget that strange , deep , rich tongue in which [she]_{272-the child} had babbled [her]_{272-the child} first words , and to know no other tongue than the Norman‐French about [her]_{272-the child} . Yet in [her]_{272-the child} there existed imagination , tenderness , gratitude , and a certain wild and true nobility , though [the old man Flamma]_{784-the old man flamma} would never have looked for [them]_785-them , never have believed in [them]_785-them . [She]_{272-the child} was devil born : [she]_{272-the child} was of devil nature in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} eyes . Upon [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} mill‐ditch]_{786-his mill‐ditch} , foul and fœtid , refuse would sometimes gather , and receiving the seed of the lily , would give birth to [blossoms born stainless out of corruption]_{787-blossoms born stainless out of corruption} : but the allegory had no meaning for [him]_{115-claudis flamma} . Had [any one]_{788-any one} pointed it out to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} [he]_{115-claudis flamma} would have taken [the speaker]_{789-the speaker} into [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} orchard]_{790-his orchard} , and said : “ Will the crab bear a fruit not bitter ? Will the nightshade give out sweetness and honey ? Fool!—as the stem so the branch , as the sap so the blossom . ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} And this fruit of sin and shame was poison in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} sight . THE little dim mind of [the five‐year‐old child]_{791-the five‐year‐old child} was not a blank ; it was indeed filled to overflowing with pictures of [a country]_{792-a country} that [her]_{272-the child} tongue could not have told of , even had [she]_{272-the child} spoken the language of [the people amidst whom [she]_{272-the child} had been cast]_{793-the people amidst whom she had been cast} . [A land altogether unlike that in which [she]_{272-the child} had been set down on [that bitter night of snow and storm]_{795-that bitter night of snow and storm}]_{794-a land altogether unlike that in which she had been set down on that bitter night of snow and storm} : [a land noble and wild , and full of colour , broken into vast heights and narrow valleys , clothed with green beechwoods and with forests of oak and of walnut]_{796-a land noble and wild , and full of colour , broken into vast heights and narrow valleys , clothed with green beechwoods and with forests of oak and of walnut} , filled with the noise of torrents leaping from crag to crag , and of [brown mountain streams]_{797-brown mountain streams} rushing , broad and angry , through [wooded ravines]_{798-wooded ravines} . [A land made beautiful by [moss‐grown water‐mills]_{800-moss‐grown water‐mills} , and [lofty greenways of grey rock]_{801-lofty greenways of grey rock}]_{799-a land made beautiful by moss‐grown water‐mills , and lofty greenways of grey rock} ; and [still shadowy pools]_{802-still shadowy pools} , in which the bright fish leaped , and [mules]_803-mules ’ bells that rang drowsily through leafy gorges ; and limestone crags that pierced the clouds , spire‐like , and fantastic in a thousand shapes ; and high blue crests of snow‐topped mountains , whose pinnacles glowed to the divinest flush of rose and amber with the setting of the sun . [This land]_{804-this land} [she]_{272-the child} remembered vaguely , yet gloriously , as the splendours of a dream of Paradise rest on the brain of [some young sleeper wakening in squalor , cold , and pain]_{805-some young sleeper wakening in squalor , cold , and pain} . But [the people of the place [she]_{272-the child} had been brought to]_{806-the people of the place she had been brought to} could not comprehend [her]_{272-the child} few , shy , sullen words , and [her]_{272-the child} strange imperfect trills of song ; and [she]_{272-the child} could not tell [them]_{806-the people of the place she had been brought to} that [this land]_{804-this land} had been [no realm enchanted of fairy or of fiend , but only [the forest region of [the Liébana . Thither]_{13-the liébana . thither}]_{809-the forest region of the liébana . thither}]_{808-no realm enchanted of fairy or of fiend , but only the forest region of the liébana . thither} , one rich autumn day , [a tribe of [Spanish gypsies]_{811-spanish gypsies}]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} had made [[their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} camp]_{812-their camp} . [They]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} were a score in all ; [they]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} held [themselves]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} [one of the noblest branches of [[their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} wide family]_{814-their wide family}]_{813-one of the noblest branches of their wide family} ; [they]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} were people with pure Eastern blood in [them]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} , and all the grace and the gravity of the Oriental in [their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} forms and postures . [They]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} stole horses and sheep ; [they]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} harried cattle ; [they]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} stopped the mules in [the passes]_{815-the passes} , and lightened [their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} load of wine‐skins : [they]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} entered the posada , when [they]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} deigned to enter one at all , with neither civil question nor show of purse , but with a gleam of the teeth , like a threatening dog , and the flash of the knife , half drawn out of the girdle . [They]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} were [low thieves]_{816-low thieves} and [mean liars]_{817-mean liars} ; [wild daredevils and loose livers]_{818-wild daredevils and loose livers} ; loathers of labour and [lovers of idle days and plundering nights]_{819-lovers of idle days and plundering nights} ; yet [they]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} were beautiful , with the noble , calm , scornful beauty of [the East]_{14-the east} , and [they]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} wore [their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} rags with an air that was in itself an empire . [They]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} could play , too , in heavenly fashion , on [their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} old three‐stringed viols ; and when [[their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} woman]_{820-their woman} danced on the sward by moonlight , under the broken shadows of [some Moorish ruin]_{821-some moorish ruin} , clanging high [their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} tambourines above [their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} graceful heads , and tossing the shining sequins that bound [their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} heavy hair , [the muleteer]_{822-the muleteer} or [the herdsman]_{823-the herdsman} , seeing [them]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} from afar , shook with fear , and thought of the tales told [him]_824-his in [his]_824-his childhood by [his]_824-his grandam of [the spirits of the dead Moors that rose to revelry , at midnight , in the haunts of [[their]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} old lost kingdom]_{826-their old lost kingdom}]_{825-the spirits of the dead moors that rose to revelry , at midnight , in the haunts of their old lost kingdom} . Amongst [them]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} was [a man yet more handsome than [the rest , taller and lither still ; wondrous at leaping and wrestling , and all athletic things]_{828-the rest , taller and lither still ; wondrous at leaping and wrestling , and all athletic things} ; surest of any to win [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , to tame a horse , to strike down a bull at a blow , to silence [an angry group at [a wineshop]_{831-a wineshop} with a single glance of [his]_824-his terrible eyes]_{830-an angry group at a wineshop with a single glance of his terrible eyes}]_{827-a man yet more handsome than the rest , taller and lither still ; wondrous at leaping and wrestling , and all athletic things ; surest of any to win a woman , to tame a horse , to strike down a bull at a blow , to silence an angry group at a wineshop with a single glance of his terrible eyes} . [His]_824-his name was [Taric]_124-taric . [He]_824-his had left [them]_{810-a tribe of spanish gypsies} often to wander by [himself]_824-his into [many countries]_{832-many countries} , and at times when , by talent or by terrorism , [he]_824-his had netted gold enough to play [the fool]_{833-the fool} to [his]_824-his fancy , [he]_824-his had gone to [some strange city , where credulity and luxury]_{834-some strange city , where credulity and luxury} prevailed , and there had lived like [a prince]_{569-a prince} , as [his]_824-his own phrase ran , and gamed and intrigued , and feasted , and roystered right royally whilst [his]_824-his gains lasted . Those spent , [he]_824-his would always return awhile , and lead the common , roving , thieving life of [[his]_824-his friends]_{836-his friends} and [brethren]_837-brethren , till the fit of ambition or the run of luck were again on [him]_824-his . Then [[his]_824-his people]_{492-his people} would afresh lose sight of [him]_824-his to light on [him]_824-his , velvet‐clad , and wine‐bibbing , in [[some painter]_{839-some painter} ’s den in [some foreign town]_{841-some foreign town}]_{840-some painter ’s den in some foreign town} , or welcomed [him]_824-his ragged , famished , and foot‐weary , on [[their]_{492-his people} own sunburnt sierras]_{842-their own sunburnt sierras} . And the mystery of [his]_824-his ways endeared [him]_824-his to [them]_{492-his people} ; and [they]_{492-his people} made [him]_824-his welcome whenever [he]_824-his returned , and never quarrelled with [him]_824-his for [his]_824-his faithlessness ; but if there were anything wilder or wickeder , bolder or keener , on hand than was usual , [[his]_824-his tribe]_{843-his tribe} would always say—“Let [Taric]_124-taric lead . ”_{[492-his people]} One day [[their]_{492-his people} camp]_{812-their camp} was made in [a gorge under the great shadows of [the Picos da Europa]_{15-the picos da europa}]_{845-a gorge under the great shadows of the picos da europa} , [a place that [they]_{492-his people} loved much , and settled in often , finding [the chestnut woods]_{847-the chestnut woods} and [the cliff caverns fair for shelter]_{848-the cliff caverns fair for shelter}]_{846-a place that they loved much , and settled in often , finding the chestnut woods and the cliff caverns fair for shelter} , the heather abounding in grouse , and [the pools]_{849-the pools} full of trout , fair for feeding . That day [Taric]_124-taric returned from a year ‐long absence , suddenly standing , dark and mighty , between [them]_{492-his people} and the light , as [they]_{492-his people} lay around [their]_{492-his people} soup kettle , awaiting [their]_{492-his people} evening meal . “ There is [a woman in labour]_{4900-a woman in labour} , a league back ; by the great cork‐tree , against [the bridge]_{4901-the bridge} ; ”_[124-taric] [he]_124-taric said to [them]_{492-his people} . “ Go to [her]_{4900-a woman in labour} some of [you]_{492-his people} . ”_[124-taric] And , with a look to [the women which singled out two for the errand]_{850-the women which singled out two for the errand} , [he]_124-taric stretched [himself]_124-taric in the warmth of the fire , and helped [himself]_124-taric to the soup , and lay quiet , vouchsafing [them]_{492-his people} never a word , but playing meaningly with the knife handle thrust into this shirt ; for [he]_124-taric saw that [some of [the men]_{450-the men}]_{851-some of the men} were about to oppose [his]_124-taric share of a common meal which [he]_124-taric had not earned by a common right . It was [Taric]_124-taric — a name of some terror came to [their]_{492-his people} fierce souls . [Taric]_124-taric , [the strongest and fleetest and most well favoured of [them]_{492-his people} all]_{853-the strongest and fleetest and most well favoured of them all} ; [Taric]_124-taric , who had slain the bull that [all the matadors]_{854-all the matadors} had failed to daunt ; [Taric]_124-taric , who had torn up the young elm , when [they]_{492-his people} needed a bridge over a flood , as easily as [a child]_{657-a child} plucks up a reed ; [Taric]_124-taric , who had stopped the fiercest contrabandista in [all those parts]_{856-all those parts} , and cut [the man]_{857-the man} ’s throat with no more ado than [a butcher slits a lamb]_{858-a butcher slits a lamb} ’s . So [they]_{492-his people} were silent , and let [him]_124-taric take [his]_124-taric portion of the fire and of the broth , and of the thin red wine . Meanwhile [the two gypsies]_{859-the two gypsies} , [Quità]_125-quità and [Zarâ]_126-zarâ , went on [their]_{859-the two gypsies} quest , and found things as [he]_124-taric had said . Under the great cork‐tree , where the grass was long and damp , and the wood grew thickly , and [an old rude bridge of unhewn blocks of rock]_{860-an old rude bridge of unhewn blocks of rock} spanned , with one arch , [the river]_{356-the river} as [it]_{356-the river} rushed downward from [its]_{356-the river} limestone bed aloft , [they]_{859-the two gypsies} found [a woman just dead]_{862-a woman just dead} , and [a child just born]_{863-a child just born} . [Quità]_125-quità looked [the woman]_{633-the woman} all over hastily , to see if , by any chance , any gold or jewels might be one [her]_{633-the woman} ; there were none . There was only an ivory cross on [her]_{633-the woman} chest , which [Quità]_125-quità drew off and hid . [Quità]_125-quità covered [her]_{633-the woman} with a few boughs and left [her]_{633-the woman} . [Zarâ]_126-zarâ wrapped [the child]_{272-the child} in a bit of [her]_126-zarâ woolen skirt , and held it warm in [her]_126-zarâ breast , and hastened to [the camp]_{866-the camp} with it . “ [She]_{633-the woman} is dead , [Taric]_124-taric , ”_[125-quità] said [Quità]_125-quità , meaning [the woman [she]_126-zarâ had left]_{867-the woman she had left} . [He]_868-he nodded [his]_868-he handsome head . “ This is [yours]_126-zarâ , [Taric]_124-taric ? ”_[126-zarâ] said [Zarâ]_126-zarâ , meaning the child [she]_126-zarâ held . [He]_868-he nodded again , and drank another drop of wine , and stretched [himself]_868-he . “ What shall [we]_869-we do with [her]_{633-the woman} ? ”_[125-quità] asked [Quità]_125-quità . “ Let [her]_{633-the woman} lie there , ”_[868-he] [he]_868-he answered [her]_125-quità . What shall [we]_869-we do with it ? ” asked [Zarâ]_126-zarâ . [He]_868-he laughed , and drew [his]_868-he knife against own brown throat in a significant gesture . [Zarâ]_126-zarâ said no word to [him]_868-he , but [she]_126-zarâ went away with [the child]_{272-the child} under some branches , on which was hung a tattered piece of awning , orange striped , that marked [her]_{633-the woman} own especial resting place . Out of [the group]_{4903-the group} about the fire , [one man]_{4904-one man} , rising , advanced , and looked [Taric]_124-taric full in the eyes . “_[868-he] Has [the woman]_{633-the woman} died by foul means ? ” [Taric]_124-taric , who never let [any living soul]_{4905-any living soul} molest or menace [him]_124-taric , answered without offence , and with a savage candour . “_[868-he] No — that [I]_0-her swear . [I]_0-her used no foul play against [her]_{633-the woman} . Go look at [her]_{633-the woman} if [you]_871-you like . [I]_0-her loved [hr]_127-hr well enough while [she]_{633-the woman} lived . But what does that matter ? [She]_{633-the woman} is dead . So best . [Women]_365-women are as many as [the mulberries]_{873-the mulberries} . “ [You]_{874-the other} loved [her]_{633-the woman} , and [you]_{874-the other} will let the wolves eat [her]_{633-the woman} body ? ”_[124-taric] [Taric]_124-taric laughed . “ There are few wolves in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} . Go and bury [her]_{633-the woman} if [you]_{874-the other} choose , [Phratos]_121-phratos . ”_[124-taric] “ [I]_{874-the other} will , ”_{[874-the other]} [the other]_{874-the other} answered [him]_124-taric ; and [he]_124-taric took [his]_124-taric way to the cork‐tree by [the bridge]_{4901-the bridge} . [The man who spoke]_{876-the man who spoke} was called [Phratos]_121-phratos . [He]_{876-the man who spoke} was not like [[his]_{876-the man who spoke} tribe]_{843-his tribe} in anything : except in a mutual love for a life that wandered always , and was to [no man]_{392-no man} responsible , and needed no roof‐tree , and wanted no settled habitation , but preferred to dwell wild with the roe and the coney , and to be hungry and unclad , rather than to eat the good things of [the earth]_{288-the earth} in submission and in durance . [He]_{876-the man who spoke} had not [their]_880-their physical perfection : an accident at [his]_{876-the man who spoke} birth had made [his]_{876-the man who spoke} spine misshapen , and [his]_{876-the man who spoke} gait halting . [His]_{876-the man who spoke} features would have been grotesque in their ugliness , except for the sweet pathos of the eyes and the gay archness of the mouth . Amongst [a race noted for its singular beauty of face and form]_{881-a race noted for its singular beauty of face and form} [Phratos]_121-phratos alone was deformed and unlovely ; and yet both deformity and unloveliness were in a way poetic and uncommon ; and in [his]_{876-the man who spoke} rough sheepskin garments , knotted to [his]_{876-the man who spoke} waist with a leathern thong , and with [his]_{876-the man who spoke} thick tangled hair falling down on [his]_{876-the man who spoke} shoulders , they were rather the deformity of [the brake‐haunting faun]_{882-the brake‐haunting faun} , [the unloveliness of the moon‐dancing satyr]_{883-the unloveliness of the moon‐dancing satyr} , than those of [a man]_{4875-a man} and [a vagrant]_{885-a vagrant} . With the likeness [he]_{876-the man who spoke} had the temper of [the old dead gods of [the forest and rivers]_{887-the forest and rivers}]_{886-the old dead gods of the forest and rivers} ; [he]_{876-the man who spoke} loved music , and could make it , in all its innumerable signs and songs , give a voice to all creatures and things of [the world]_{268-the world} , of [the waters]_{373-the waters} and [the woodlands]_{890-the woodlands} ; and for many things [he]_{876-the man who spoke} was sorrowful continually , and for other things [he]_{876-the man who spoke} for ever laughed and was glad . Though [he]_{876-the man who spoke} was misshapen , and even , as some said , not altogether straight in [his]_{876-the man who spoke} wits , yet [[his]_{876-the man who spoke} kin]_{891-his kin} honoured [him]_{876-the man who spoke} . For [he]_{876-the man who spoke} could draw music from the rude strings of [his]_{876-the man who spoke} old viol that surpassed [their]_{891-his kin} own melodies as far as the shining of the sun on [the summits of [the Europa]_{17-the europa}]_{892-the summits of the europa} surpassed the trembling of the little lamps under the painted [road‐side Calvaries]_{18-road‐side calvaries} . [He]_{876-the man who spoke} was only [a gypsy]_{893-a gypsy} ; [he]_{876-the man who spoke} only played as the fancy moved [him]_{876-the man who spoke} , by [a bright fountain at a noonday halt , under the ruined arches of [a Saracenic temple]_{895-a saracenic temple}]_{894-a bright fountain at a noonday halt , under the ruined arches of a saracenic temple} ; before the tawny gleam of a vast dim plain at sunrise ; in [a cool shadowy court , where the vines shut out all light]_{896-a cool shadowy court , where the vines shut out all light} ; ; beneath [a balcony at night]_{897-a balcony at night} , when the moonbeams gleamed on some fair unknown face , thrust for a moment from the darkness through the white magnolia flowers . Yet [he]_{876-the man who spoke} played in suchwise as makes [women]_365-women weep , and holds [children]_366-children and dogs still to listen , and moves [grown men]_{900-grown men} to shade [their]_{900-grown men} eyes with [their]_{900-grown men} hands , and think of old dead times , when [they]_{900-grown men} played and prayed at [[their]_{900-grown men} mothers]_{901-their mothers} ’ knees . And [his]_{876-the man who spoke} music had so spoken to [himself]_{876-the man who spoke} that , although true to [[his]_{876-the man who spoke} tribe]_{843-his tribe} and all [their]_{843-his tribe} traditions , loving the vagrant life in the open air , and being incapable of pursuing any other , [he]_{876-the man who spoke} yet neither stole nor slew , neither tricked nor lied , but found [his]_{876-the man who spoke} way vaguely to honesty and candour , and , having found [them]_903-them , clove to [them]_903-them , so that [none]_498-none could turn [him]_{876-the man who spoke} : living on such scant gains as were thrown to [him]_{876-the man who spoke} for [his]_{876-the man who spoke} music from balconies and posada windows and wine‐ house doors in [the hamlets and towns through which [he]_{876-the man who spoke} passed]_{905-the hamlets and towns through which he passed} , and making a handful of pulse and a slice of melon , a couch of leaves and a draught of water , suffice to [him]_{876-the man who spoke} for [his]_{876-the man who spoke} few and simple wants . [[His]_{876-the man who spoke} people]_{492-his people} reproached [him]_{876-the man who spoke} , indeed , with demeaning [[their]_{492-his people} race]_{907-their race} by taking payment in lieu of making thefts ; and [they]_{492-his people} mocked [him]_{876-the man who spoke} often , and taunted [him]_{876-the man who spoke} , though in a manner [they]_{492-his people} all loved [him,—the]_{876-the man who spoke} reckless and bloodstained [Taric]_124-taric most , perhaps , of all . But [he]_{876-the man who spoke} would never quarrel with [them]_{492-his people} , neither would [he]_{876-the man who spoke} give over [his]_{876-the man who spoke} strange ways which so incensed [them]_{492-his people} , and with time [they]_{492-his people} saw that [Phratos]_121-phratos was [a gifted fool]_{908-a gifted fool} , who like [other mad simple creatures]_{909-other mad simple creatures} , had best be left to go on [his]_121-phratos own way unmolested and without contradiction . If , too , [they]_{492-his people} had driven [him]_{876-the man who spoke} from [their]_{492-his people} midst , [they]_{492-his people} would have missed [his]_{876-the man who spoke} music sorely ; that music which awoke [them]_{492-his people} at break of day soaring up through [their]_{492-his people} roof of chestnut leaves like a lark ’s song piercing the skies . [Phratos]_121-phratos came now to [the dead woman]_{910-the dead woman} , and drew off the boughs , and looked at [her]_{910-the dead woman} . [She]_{910-the dead woman} was quite dead . [She]_{910-the dead woman} had died where [she]_{910-the dead woman} had first sunk down , unable to reach [her]_{910-the dead woman} promised resting place . It was a damp green nook on [the edge of [the bright mountain river]_{912-the bright mountain river}]_{911-the edge of the bright mountain river} , at the entrance of [that narrow gorge in which the encampment had been made]_{913-that narrow gorge in which the encampment had been made} . The face , which was white and young , lay upward , with the shadows of the flickering foliage on it ; and the eyes , which [Quità]_125-quità had not closed , were large and blue ; [her]_{910-the dead woman} hair , which was long and brown , was loose , and had got wet amongst the grass , and had little buds of flowers and stray golden leaves twisted in it . [Phratos]_121-phratos felt sorrow for [her]_{910-the dead woman} as [he]_121-phratos looked . [He]_121-phratos could imagine [her]_{910-the dead woman} history . [Taric]_124-taric , whom [many women]_{914-many women} had loved , had besought many a one thus to share [his]_124-taric fierce free life for a little space , and then drift away out of it by chance , or be driven away from it by [his]_124-taric fickle passions , or be taken away like [this woman]_{915-this woman} by death . In [her]_{910-the dead woman} bosom , slipped in [her]_{910-the dead woman} clothes , was a letter . It was written in a tongue [he]_121-phratos did not know . [He]_121-phratos held it awhile , thinking , then [he]_121-phratos folded it up and put it in [his]_121-phratos girdle,—it might be of use , who could tell ? There was [the child , there , that might live]_{916-the child , there , that might live} ; unless [the camp]_{866-the camp} broke up and [Zarâ]_126-zarâ left [it]_{916-the child , there , that might live} under a walnut tree to die , with the last butterflies of the fading summer , which was in all likelihood all [she]_{910-the dead woman} would do . Nevertheless [he]_121-phratos kept the letter , and when [he]_121-phratos had looked long enough at [the dead creature]_{918-the dead creature} , [he]_121-phratos turned to the tools [he]_121-phratos had brought with [him]_121-phratos , and set patiently to make [her]_{910-the dead woman} grave . [He]_121-phratos could only work slowly , for [he]_121-phratos was weak of body , and [his]_121-phratos infirmity made all manual toil painful to [him]_121-phratos . [His]_121-phratos task was hard , even though the earth was so soft from recent heavy rains . The sun set whist [he]_121-phratos was still engaged on it ; and it was quite nightfall before [he]_121-phratos had fully accomplished it . When [the grave]_{919-the grave} was ready [he]_121-phratos filled [it]_{919-the grave} carefully with the golden leaves that had fallen , and the thick many‐coloured mosses that covered the ground like a carpet . Then [he]_121-phratos laid the body tenderly down within [that forest shroud]_{920-that forest shroud} , and , with the moss like a winding sheet between it and the earth which had to fall on it , [he]_121-phratos committed [the dead woman]_{910-the dead woman} to [her]_{910-the dead woman} resting place . It did not seem strange to [him]_121-phratos , or awful , to leave [her]_{910-the dead woman} there . [He]_121-phratos was [a gypsy]_{893-a gypsy} , and to [him]_121-phratos a grave under [a forest tree]_{923-a forest tree} and by [a mountain stream]_{924-a mountain stream} seemed the most natural rest at last that [any creature]_{925-any creature} could desire or claim . No rites seemed needful to [him]_121-phratos . and no sense of any neglect , cruel or unfitting , jarred on [him]_121-phratos in thus leaving [her]_{910-the dead woman} in [her]_{910-the dead woman} loneliness , with only the cry of the bittern or the bell of [the wild roe]_{926-the wild roe} as a requiem . Yet a certain sorrow for this unknown and lost life was on [him]_121-phratos , Bohemian though [he]_121-phratos was , as [he]_121-phratos took up [his]_121-phratos mattock and turned away , and went backward down [the gorge]_{927-the gorge} , and left [her]_{910-the dead woman} to lie there for ever , through rain and sunshine , through wind and storm , through the calm of the summer and the flush of autumn , and the wildness of the winter , when [the swollen stream]_{928-the swollen stream} should sweep above [[her]_{910-the dead woman} tomb]_{929-her tomb} , and [the famished beasts of [the hills]_{931-the hills}]_{930-the famished beasts of the hills} would lift up [their]_{930-the famished beasts of the hills} voices around it . When [he]_121-phratos reached [the camp]_{866-the camp} , [he]_121-phratos gave the letter to [Taric]_124-taric . [Taric]_124-taric , knowing the tongue it was written in , and being able to understand the character , looked at it , and read it through by the light of the flaming wood . When [he]_121-phratos had done so [he]_121-phratos tossed it behind , in among the boughs , in scorn . “ [The poor fool]_{4906-the poor fool} ’s prayer to [the brute that [she]_{117-reine flamma} hated]_{4907-the brute that she hated} ! ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos said , with a scoff . [Phratos]_121-phratos lifted up the letter and kept it . In a later time [he]_121-phratos found [some one who could decipher it for [him]_121-phratos]_{933-some one who could decipher it for him} . It was the letter of [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} to [the miller at [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{934-the miller at yprès} , telling [him]_{934-the miller at yprès} the brief story of [her]_{117-reine flamma} fatal passion , and imploring from [him]_{934-the miller at yprès} mercy to [[her]_{117-reine flamma} unborn child]_{935-her unborn child} should it survive [her]_{117-reine flamma} and be ever taken to [him]_{934-the miller at yprès} . Remorse and absence had softened to [her]_{117-reine flamma} the harshness and the meanness of [[her]_{117-reine flamma} father]_{389-her father} ’s character ; [she]_{117-reine flamma} only remembered that [he]_{934-the miller at yprès} had loved [her]_{117-reine flamma} , and had deemed [her]_{117-reine flamma} pure and faithful as [the saints of [God]_118-god]_{937-the saints of god} . There was no word in the appeal by which it could have been inferred that [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} had been other than [a man much wronged and loving much , patient of heart]_{938-a man much wronged and loving much , patient of heart} , and without blame in [his]_{934-the miller at yprès} simple life . [Phratos]_121-phratos took the letter and cherished it . [He]_121-phratos thought it might some day serve [[her]_{117-reine flamma} offspring]_{939-her offspring} . [This old man]_{940-this old man} ’s vengeance could not , [he]_121-phratos thought , be so cruel to [the child]_{272-the child} as might be the curse and the knife of [Taric]_124-taric . “ [She]_{117-reine flamma} must have been beautiful ? ”_{[121-phratos]} said [Phratos]_121-phratos to [him]_124-taric , after a while , that night ; “ and [you]_124-taric care no more for [her]_{117-reine flamma} than that . ”_{[121-phratos]} [Taric]_124-taric stretched [his]_124-taric mighty limbs in the warmth of the flame , and made [his]_124-taric answer : “ There will be as good grapes on the vines next year as any [we]_4908-we gathered this . What does it signify?—she was only [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . “_[124-taric] [She]_{117-reine flamma} loved [me]_0-her ; [she]_{117-reine flamma} thought [me]_0-her [a god]_{942-a god} , [a devil]_{678-a devil} , [a prince]_{569-a prince} , [a chief,—all manner of things;—the people]_{945-a chief,—all manner of things;—the people} thought so , too . [She]_{117-reine flamma} was sick of [her]_{117-reine flamma} life . [She]_{117-reine flamma} was sick of [the priests]_{514-the priests} and the beads , and [the mill]_{281-the mill} and [the market]_{948-the market} . [She]_{117-reine flamma} was fair to look at , and [the fools]_{949-the fools} called [her]_{117-reine flamma} [a saint]_{4870-a saint} . When [a woman]_{4876-a woman} is young and has beauty , it is dull to be worshipped — in that way . “ [I]_{117-reine flamma} met [her]_{117-reine flamma} in [the wood]_{545-the wood} one summer night . The sun was setting . [I]_{117-reine flamma} do not know why [I]_{117-reine flamma} cared for [her]_{117-reine flamma} — [I]_{117-reine flamma} did . [She]_{117-reine flamma} was like a tall white lily ; [these women of ours]_{4911-these women of ours} are only great tawny sunflowers . “_{[117-reine flamma]} [She]_{117-reine flamma} was pure and straight of life ; [she]_{117-reine flamma} believed in heaven and hell ; [she]_{117-reine flamma} was innocent as [a child unborn]_{952-a child unborn} ; it was tempting to kill all that . It is so easy to kill it when [a woman]_{4876-a woman} loves [you]_954-you . [I]_0-her taught [her]_{117-reine flamma} what passion and freedom and pleasure and torment all meant . [She]_{117-reine flamma} came with [me,—after]_{955-me,—after} a struggle , a hard one . [I]_0-her kept [her]_{117-reine flamma} loyally while the gold lasted ; that [I]_0-her swear . [I]_0-her took [her]_{117-reine flamma} to [many cities]_{956-many cities} . [I]_0-her let [her]_{117-reine flamma} have jewels and music , and silk dresses , and fine linen . [I]_0-her was good to [her]_{117-reine flamma} ; that [I]_0-her swear . “ But after a bit [she]_{117-reine flamma} pined , and grew dull again , and wept in secret , and at times [I]_0-her caught [her]_{117-reine flamma} praying to the white cross which [she]_{117-reine flamma} wore on [her]_{117-reine flamma} breast . That made [me]_0-her mad . [I]_0-her cursed [her]_{117-reine flamma} and beat [her]_{117-reine flamma} . [She]_{117-reine flamma} never said anything ; [she]_{117-reine flamma} seemed only to love [me]_0-her more , and that made [me]_0-her more mad . “_[0-her] Then [I]_0-her got poor again , and [I]_0-her had to sell [her]_{117-reine flamma} things one by one . Not that [she]_{117-reine flamma} minded that , [she]_{117-reine flamma} would have sold [her]_{117-reine flamma} soul for [me]_0-her . [We]_957-we wandered north and south ; and [I]_0-her made money sometimes by the dice , or by breaking a horse , or by fooling [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , or by snatching a jewel off one of [their]_959-their dolls in [[their]_959-their churches]_{960-their churches} ; and [I]_0-her wanted to get rid of [her]_{117-reine flamma} , and [I]_0-her could not tell how . [I]_0-her had not the heart to kill [her]_{117-reine flamma} outright . “ But [she]_{117-reine flamma} never said a rough word , [you]_4912-you know , and that makes [a man]_{4875-a man} mad . [Maddalena]_{128-maddalena} or [Kara]_129-kara or [Rachel]_130-rachel — any of them,—would have flown and struck a knife at [me]_0-her , and hissed like a snake , and there would have been blows and furious words and bloodshed ; and then [we]_961-we should have kissed , and been [lovers]_4914-lovers again , fast and fierce . But [a woman who is quiet]_{4915-a woman who is quiet} , and only looks at [you]_4912-you with great , sad , soft eyes , when [you]_4912-you strike her,—what is one to do ? “_[0-her] [We]_961-we were horribly poor at last ; [we]_961-we slept in [barns]_962-barns and [haylofts]_963-haylofts ; [we]_961-we ate berries and drank the brook water . [She]_{117-reine flamma} grew weak , and could hardly walk . Many [I]_0-her time [I]_0-her have been tempted to let [her]_{117-reine flamma} lie and die in the hedgeway or on [the plains]_{964-the plains} , and [I]_0-her did not,—one is so foolish sometimes for sake of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . [She]_{117-reine flamma} knew [she]_{117-reine flamma} was [a burden]_{966-a burden} and curse to [me,—I]_967-me,—i may have said so , perhaps ; [I]_0-her do not remember . “ At last [I]_968-i heard of [you]_4912-you in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} , from [a tribe [we]_961-we fell in with on [the other side of the mountains]_{4917-the other side of the mountains}]_{4916-a tribe we fell in with on the other side of the mountains} , and so [we]_961-we travelled [her]_{117-reine flamma} on foot . [I]_968-i thought [she]_{117-reine flamma} would have got to [the women]_{472-the women} before [her]_{117-reine flamma} hour arrived . But [she]_{117-reine flamma} fell down there , and could not stir ; and so the end came . It is best as it is . [She]_{117-reine flamma} was wretched , and what could [I]_968-i do with [a woman like that , who would never hearken to [another lover]_{4920-another lover} , nor give up [her]_{117-reine flamma} dead God on [his]_{4920-another lover} cross]_{4919-a woman like that , who would never hearken to another lover , nor give up her dead god on his cross} , nor take so much as a broken crust if it were stolen , nor even show [her]_{117-reine flamma} beauty to [a sculptor to be carved in stone]_{4921-a sculptor to be carved in stone} — for [I]_968-i tried to make [her]_{117-reine flamma} do that , and [she]_{117-reine flamma} would not . It is best as it is . If [she]_{117-reine flamma} had lived [we]_4922-we could have done nothing with [her]_{117-reine flamma} . And yet [I]_968-i see [her]_{117-reine flamma} sometimes as [I]_968-i saw [her]_{117-reine flamma} that night , so white and so calm , in the little green wood , as the sun set — ”_[968-i] [His]_968-i voice ceased , and [he]_968-i took up a horn full of vino clarete ; and drained it , and was very still , stretching [his]_968-i limbs to bask in the heat of the fire . The wine had loosened [his]_968-i tongue , and [he]_968-i had spoken from [his]_968-i heart,—truthfully . [Phratos]_121-phratos , [[his]_968-i only hearer]_{969-his only hearer} , was silent . [He]_121-phratos was thinking of the great blue sightless eyes that [he]_121-phratos had closed , and of the loose brown hair on which [he]_121-phratos had flung the wet leaves and the earth‐clogged mosses . “ [The child]_{272-the child} lives ? ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos said , at length . [Taric , who was sinking to sleep after the long fatigues of a heavy tramp]_{970-taric , who was sinking to sleep after the long fatigues of a heavy tramp} through [mountain passes]_{971-mountain passes} , stirred sullenly with an oath . “ Let it go to [hell]_4924-hell , ”_[968-i] [he]_968-i made answer . And these were the only words of baptism that were spoken over [the nameless daughter of [Taric the gypsy]_124-taric and of [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma}]_{972-the nameless daughter of taric the gypsy and of reine flamma} . That night [Phratos]_121-phratos called out to [him]_968-i in the moonlight [the woman Zarâ , who came from under [her]_{973-the woman zarâ , who came from under her tent} tent]_{973-the woman zarâ , who came from under her tent} , and stood under the glistening leaves , strong and handsome , with shining eyes and snowy teeth . “ [The child]_{272-the child} lives still ? ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos asked . [Zarâ]_126-zarâ nodded [her]_126-zarâ head . “ [You]_126-zarâ will try and keep it alive ? ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos pursued . [She]_126-zarâ shrugged [her]_126-zarâ shoulders . “ What is the use ? [Taric]_124-taric would rather it were dead . ”_[126-zarâ] “ What matter what [Taric]_124-taric wishes . Living or dead , it will not hinder [him]_124-taric . [A child]_{657-a child} more or less with [us]_4927-us , what is it ? Only a draught of goat ’s milk or a handful of meal . So little ; it can not be felt . [You]_126-zarâ have [a child of [your]_126-zarâ own]_{4928-a child of your own} , [Zarâ]_126-zarâ : [you]_126-zarâ cared for it ? ”_[126-zarâ] “ Yes , ”_[126-zarâ] [she]_126-zarâ answered , with a sudden softening gleam of [her]_126-zarâ bright savage eyes . [She]_126-zarâ had [a brown , strong , year‐old boy , who kicked [his]_{974-a brown , strong , year‐old boy , who kicked his naked limbs on the sward with joy at phratos ’ music} naked limbs on the sward with joy at [Phratos]_121-phratos ’ music]_{974-a brown , strong , year‐old boy , who kicked his naked limbs on the sward with joy at phratos ’ music} . “ Then have pity on [the motherless creature]_{4929-the motherless creature} , ”_{[121-phratos]} said [Phratos]_121-phratos , wooingly . “ [I]_121-phratos buried [that dead woman]_{4930-that dead woman} ; and [her]_{4930-that dead woman} eyes , though there was no sight in them , still seemed to pray to mine — and to pray for [[her]_{4930-that dead woman} child]_{4931-her child} . Be merciful , [Zarâ]_126-zarâ . Let [the child]_{272-the child} have the warmth of [your]_126-zarâ arms and the defence of [your]_126-zarâ strength . Be merciful , [Zarâ]_126-zarâ ; and [your]_126-zarâ seed shall multiply and increase tenfold , and shall be stately and strong , and shall spread as the branches of the plane‐trees , on which the storm spends its fury in vain , and beneath which all things of [the earth]_{288-the earth} can find refuge . For never was [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’ pity fruitless , nor the fair deeds of [her]_{4876-a woman} days without recompense . ”_{[121-phratos]} [Zarâ]_126-zarâ listened quietly , as the dreamy , poetic , persuasive words stole on [her]_126-zarâ ear like music . Like [the rest of [[her]_126-zarâ people]_{976-her people}]_{975-the rest of her people} , [she]_126-zarâ half believed in [him]_977-him as [a seer and prophet]_{978-a seer and prophet} ; [her]_126-zarâ teeth shone out in a soft sudden smile . “ [You]_977-him are always [a fool]_{4935-a fool} , [Phratos]_121-phratos , ”_[126-zarâ] [she]_126-zarâ said ; “ but it shall be as [you]_121-phratos fancy . ”_[126-zarâ] And [she]_126-zarâ went in out of the moonlit leaves and the clear cool , autumn night into [the little dark stifling tent]_{979-the little dark stifling tent} , where [the new‐born child]_{980-the new‐born child} had been laid away in a corner upon a rough‐and‐ready bed of gathered dusky fir‐needles . “ It is [a little cub]_{4936-a little cub} , not worth the saving ; and its dam was not of [[our]_4937-our people]_{4938-our people} , ”_[126-zarâ] [she]_126-zarâ said to [herself]_126-zarâ , as [she]_126-zarâ lifted [the wailing and alien creature]_{981-the wailing and alien creature} to [her]_126-zarâ bosom . “ It is for [you]_121-phratos , [[my]_126-zarâ angel]_{4939-my angel} , that [I]_126-zarâ do it , ”_[126-zarâ] [she]_126-zarâ murmured , looking at the sleeping face of [[her]_126-zarâ own son]_{982-her own son} . Outside [the tent]_{983-the tent} the sweet strains of [Phratos]_121-phratos ’ music rose sighing and soft ; and mingling , as sounds mingle in a dream , with the murmurs of the forest leaves and the rushing of [the mountain river]_{984-the mountain river} . [He]_121-phratos gave [her]_126-zarâ the only payment in [his]_121-phratos power . [Zarâ]_126-zarâ , hushing [the strange child]_{985-the strange child} at [her]_126-zarâ breast , listened , and was half‐touched , half‐angered . “ Why should [he]_121-phratos play for this little stray thing , when [he]_121-phratos never played once for [you]_{986-her son} , [[my]_126-zarâ glory]_{4940-my glory} ? ”_[126-zarâ] [she]_126-zarâ said to [[her]_126-zarâ son]_{986-her son} , as [she]_126-zarâ put [[the dead woman]_{910-the dead woman} ’s child]_{988-the dead woman ’s child} roughly away , and took [him]_{986-her son} up in its stead , to beat together in play [his]_{986-her son} rosy hands and cover [his]_{986-her son} mouth with kisses . For even from these , [the world ’s outcasts]_{989-the world ’s outcasts} , this new life of a few hours ’ span was rejected as unworthy and despised . Nevertheless , the music played on through the still forest night ; and nevertheless , [the child]_{272-the child} grew and throve . [The tribe of [Taric]_124-taric]_{991-the tribe of taric} abode in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} or in [the adjacent country along [the banks of [the Deva]_{19-the deva}]_{993-the banks of the deva}]_{992-the adjacent country along the banks of the deva} during the space of four years and more , scarcely losing in that time the sight , either from near or far , of [the rosy peaks of [the Europa]_{17-the europa}]_{994-the rosy peaks of the europa} . [He]_{986-her son} did not abide with [them]_{991-the tribe of taric} ; [he]_{986-her son} quarrelled with [them]_{991-the tribe of taric} violently concerning some division of a capture of wineskins , and went on [his]_{986-her son} own way to [distant provinces]_{995-distant provinces} and [cities]_996-cities ; to the gambling and the roystering , the woman‐fooling and the bull‐fighting , that [his]_{986-her son} soul lusted after always . [[His]_{986-her son} daughter]_{502-his daughter} [he]_{986-her son} left to dwell in [the tent of [Zarâ]_126-zarâ]_{998-the tent of zarâ} , and under the defence of [Phratos]_121-phratos . Once or twice , in sojourns of a night or two amongst [[his]_{986-her son} own people]_{999-his own people} , as [the young creature]_{1000-the young creature} grew in stature and strength , [Taric]_124-taric had glanced at [her]_{1000-the young creature} , and called [her]_{1000-the young creature} to [him]_{986-her son} , and felt the litheness of [her]_{1000-the young creature} limbs and the weight of [her]_{1000-the young creature} hair , and laughed as [he]_{986-her son} thrust [he]_{986-her son} from [him]_{986-her son} , thinking that , in time to come , [she]_{1000-the young creature} — who would know nothing of [[her]_{1000-the young creature} mother]_{774-her mother} ’s dead God on the cross , and of [[her]_{1000-the young creature} mother]_{774-her mother} ’s idle weak scruples,—might bring [him]_{986-her son} a fair provision in [his]_{986-her son} years of age , when [his]_{986-her son} hand should have lost its weight against [men]_364-men and [his]_{986-her son} form its goodliness in the sight of [women]_365-women . Once or twice [he]_{986-her son} had given [her]_{1000-the young creature} a kick of [his]_{986-her son} foot , or blow with [his]_{986-her son} leathern whip , when [she]_{1000-the young creature} crawled in the grass too near [his]_{986-her son} path , or lay asleep in the sun as [he]_{986-her son} chanced to pass by [her]_{1000-the young creature} . Otherwise [he]_{986-her son} had nought to do with [her]_{1000-the young creature} , absent or present ; otherwise [he]_{986-her son} left [her]_{1000-the young creature} to chance and [the devil]_{4853-the devil} , who were , as [he]_{986-her son} said , according to [the Christians]_{1006-the christians} , [the natural patrons and [sponsors of all love children]_{1008-sponsors of all love children}]_{1007-the natural patrons and sponsors of all love children} . [Chance]_131-chance and [the Devil]_{4853-the devil} , however , had not wholly [their]_1010-them way in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} ; for beside [them]_1010-them there was [Phratos]_121-phratos . [Phratos]_121-phratos never abandoned [her]_{1000-the young creature} . Under the wolfskin and pine boughs of [Zarâ]_126-zarâ ’s tent there was misery very often . [Zarâ]_126-zarâ had [a fresh son]_{1011-a fresh son} born to [her]_126-zarâ with each succeeding year ; and having a besotted love for [[her]_126-zarâ own offspring]_{1012-her own offspring} , had little but indifference and blows for [the stranger who shared [their]_1010-them bed and food]_{1013-the stranger who shared their bed and food} . [[Her]_126-zarâ children]_{1014-her children} , brown and curly , naked and strong , fought [one another like panther cubs]_{1015-one another like panther cubs} , and rode in a cluster like red mountain‐ash berries in the sheep‐skin round [her]_126-zarâ waist , and drank by turns out of the pitcher of broth , and slept all together on dry ferns and mosses , rolled in warm balls one in another like young bears . But [the child who had no affinity with [them]_1010-them , who was not even wholly of [[their]_1010-them tribe]_{1017-their tribe} , but had in [her]_126-zarâ what [they]_1010-them deemed the taint of gentile blood]_{1016-the child who had no affinity with them , who was not even wholly of their tribe , but had in her what they deemed the taint of gentile blood} , was not allowed to gnaw [her]_126-zarâ bare bone or [her]_126-zarâ ripe fig in peace if [they]_1010-them wished for it ; was never carried with [them]_1010-them in the sheep‐skin nest , but left to totter after in the dust or mud as best [she]_126-zarâ might ; was forced to wait for the leavings in the pitcher , or go without if leavings there were none ; and was kicked away by the sturdy limbs of [these young males]_{1018-these young males} when [she]_126-zarâ tried to creep for warmth ’s sake in amongst [them]_{1018-these young males} on [their]_{1018-these young males} fern bed . But [she]_126-zarâ minded all this little ; since in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} there was [Phratos]_121-phratos . [Phratos]_121-phratos was always good to [her]_126-zarâ . The prayer which those piteous dead eyes had made [he]_121-phratos always answered . [He]_121-phratos had always pity for [the child]_{272-the child} . Many a time , but for [his]_121-phratos remembrance , [she]_{272-the child} would have starved outright or died of cold in those wild winters , when [the tribe]_{1020-the tribe} huddled together in [the caverns of the limestone]_{1021-the caverns of the limestone} , and the snow‐drifts were driven up by northern winds and blocked [them]_1010-them there for many days . Many a time but for [his]_121-phratos aid [she]_{272-the child} would have dropped on [their]_1022-their march and been left to perish as [she]_{272-the child} might on [the long sunburnt roads]_{1023-the long sunburnt roads} , in the arid mid‐summers , when [they]_1022-their gypsies plodded on [their]_1022-their dusty way through the sinuous windings of [hill‐side paths]_{1024-hill‐side paths} and along the rough stones of dried‐up watercourses , in gorges and passages known alone to [them]_1022-their and the wild deer . When [her]_{272-the child} throat was parched with the torment of long thirst , it was [he]_121-phratos who raised [her]_{272-the child} to drink from the rill in [the rock]_{1025-the rock} , high above , to which [the mothers]_{1026-the mothers} lifted [[their]_{1026-the mothers} eager children]_{1027-their eager children} leaving [her]_{272-the child} to gasp and gaze unpitied . When [she]_{272-the child} was driven away from the noonday meal by [the hungry and clamorous youngsters , who would admit no share of [their]_{1028-the hungry and clamorous youngsters , who would admit no share of their partridge broth and stewed lentils} partridge broth and stewed lentils]_{1028-the hungry and clamorous youngsters , who would admit no share of their partridge broth and stewed lentils} , it was [he]_121-phratos who bruised the maize between the stones for [her]_{272-the child} eating , and gathered for [her]_{272-the child} the wild fruit of the quince and the mulberry . When [the sons of [Zarâ]_126-zarâ]_{1029-the sons of zarâ} had kicked and bruised and spurned [her]_{272-the child} from [the tent]_{983-the tent} , [he]_121-phratos would lead [her]_{272-the child} away to [some shadowy place where the leaves grew thickly]_{1031-some shadowy place where the leaves grew thickly} , and play [her]_{272-the child} such glad and bouyant tunes that the laughter seemed to bubble from the listening brooks and ripple amongst the swinging boughs , and make the wild hare skip with joy , and draw the timid lizard from [his]_121-phratos hole to frolic . And when [they]_1032-they way was long , and the stony paths cruel to [her]_{272-the child} little bare feet , [he]_121-phratos would carry [her]_{272-the child} aloft on [his]_121-phratos misshapen shoulders , where [his]_121-phratos old viol always travelled ; and would beguile the steep way with a thousand quaint , soft , grotesque conceits of all the flowers and leaves and birds and animals : talking rather to [himself]_121-phratos than [her]_{272-the child} , yet talking with a tender fancifulness , half humour and half pathos , that soothed [her]_{272-the child} tired sense like a lullaby . Hence it came to pass that [the sole creature whom [she]_{272-the child} loved and who had pity for [her]_{272-the child}]_{1033-the sole creature whom she loved and who had pity for her} was [the uncouth , crippled , gay , sad , gentle , dauntless creature whom [[his]_121-phratos tribe]_{843-his tribe} had always held half‐wittol and half‐seer . Thus the life in [the hills of [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana}]_{1036-the hills of the liébana}]_{1034-the uncouth , crippled , gay , sad , gentle , dauntless creature whom his tribe had always held half‐wittol and half‐seer . thus the life in the hills of the liébana} went on till [the child of Taric]_{1037-the child of taric} had entered [her]_{1037-the child of taric} sixth year . [She]_{1037-the child of taric} had both beauty and grace ; [she]_{1037-the child of taric} had the old Moresco loveliness in its higher type ; [she]_{1037-the child of taric} was fleet as the roe , strong as [the young izard]_{1038-the young izard} , wild as the wood‐partridge on the wing ; [she]_{1037-the child of taric} had grace of limb from the postures and dances with which [she]_{1037-the child of taric} taught [herself]_{1037-the child of taric} to keep time to the sweet , fantastic music of the viol ; [she]_{1037-the child of taric} was shy and sullen , and fierce and savage , to all save [himself]_121-phratos , for the hand of every other was against [her]_{1037-the child of taric} ; but to [him]_121-phratos , [she]_{1037-the child of taric} was docile as the dove to the hand that feeds it . [He]_121-phratos had given [her]_{1037-the child of taric} a string of bright sequins to hang on [her]_{1037-the child of taric} hair , and when [the peasants of [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains} and [valleys]_1041-valleys]_{1039-the peasants of the mountains and valleys} saw [her]_{1037-the child of taric} by the edge of [some green woodland pool]_{1042-some green woodland pool} , whirling by moonlight to the sound of [his]_121-phratos melodies , [they]_{1039-the peasants of the mountains and valleys} took [her]_{1037-the child of taric} to be some unearthly spirit , and told wonderful things over [their]_{1039-the peasants of the mountains and valleys} garlic of the elf crowned with stars [they]_{1039-the peasants of the mountains and valleys} had seen dancing on a round lotus leaf in the hush of the night . In [the Liébana]_{1043-the liébana} [she]_{1037-the child of taric} was beaten often , hungry almost always , cursed fiercely , driven away by [the mothers]_{1026-the mothers} , mocked and flouted by [the children]_{452-the children} ; and this taught [her]_{1037-the child of taric} silence and ferocity . Yet in [the Liébana]_{1043-the liébana} [she]_{1037-the child of taric} was happy , for [one creature]_{1047-one creature} loved [her]_{1037-the child of taric} , and [she]_{1037-the child of taric} was free — free to lie in the long grass , to bathe in [the still pools]_{1048-the still pools} , to watch the wild things of [the woods]_{344-the woods} , to wander ankle deep in forest blossoms , to sleep under the rocking of pines , to run against the sweet force of the wind , to climb the trees and swing cradled in leaves , and to look far away at the snow on [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains} , and to dream , and to love , and to be content in dreaming and loving , their mystical glory that awoke with the sun . One day in the red autumn , [Taric]_124-taric came ; [he]_124-taric had been wholly absent more than two years . [He]_124-taric was superb to the sight still , with matchless splendour of face and form , but [his]_124-taric carriage was more reckless and disordered than ever , and in [his]_124-taric gem‐like and night‐black eyes , there was a look of cunning and of subtle ferocity new to [them]_1051-them . [His]_124-taric life had gone hardly with [him]_124-taric , and to the indolence , the passions , the rapacity , the slothful sensuality of [the gypsy]_{1052-the gypsy} — who had retained all the vices of [his]_124-taric race whilst losing [their]_{1052-the gypsy} virtues of simplicity in living , and of endurance under hardship — the gall of a sharp poverty had become unendurable : and to live without dice , and [women]_365-women , and wine , and boastful brawling , seemed to [him]_124-taric to be worse than any death . The day [he]_124-taric returned , [they]_{1052-the gypsy} were still camped in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} ; in one of [[its]_{16-the liébana} narrow gorges]_{1054-its narrow gorges} , overhung with a thick growth of trees , and coursed through by [a headlong hillstream]_{1055-a headlong hillstream} , that spread itself into darkling breadths and [leafy pools]_{1056-leafy pools} , in which the fish were astir under great snowy lilies and a tangled web of water plants . [He]_124-taric strode into the midst of [them]_{1052-the gypsy} , as [they]_{1052-the gypsy} sat round [their]_{1052-the gypsy} camp‐fire lit beneath a shelf of rock , as [his]_124-taric wo nt was ; and was welcomed and fed and plied with such as [they]_{1052-the gypsy} had , with that mixture of sullen respect and incurable attachment which [[his]_124-taric tribe]_{843-his tribe} preserved , through all [their]_{1052-the gypsy} quarrels , for this , the finest and the fiercest , the most fickle and the most faithless of [them]_{1052-the gypsy} all . [He]_124-taric gorged [himself]_124-taric , and drank , and said little . When the meal was done , [the young of the tribe]_{1058-the young of the tribe} scattered [themselves]_{1058-the young of the tribe} in the red evening light under the great walnuts ; some at feud , some at play . “ Which is [mine]_124-taric ? ”_[124-taric] [he]_124-taric asked , surveying [the children]_{452-the children} . [They]_{452-the children} showed [her]_1060-her to [him]_124-taric . The sequins were round [her]_1060-her head ; [she]_1060-her swung on a bough of ash ; the pool beneath mirrored [her]_1060-her ; [she]_1060-her was singing as [children]_366-children sing , without words , yet musically and gladly , catching at the fireflies that danced above [her]_1060-her in the leaves . “ Can [she]_1060-her dance ? ”_[124-taric] [he]_124-taric asked lazily of [them]_{452-the children} . “ In [her]_1060-her own fashion,—as a flower in the wind , ”_[124-taric] [Phratos]_121-phratos answered [him]_124-taric , with a smile ; and willing to woo for [her]_1060-her the good graces of [[her]_1060-her father]_{389-her father} , [he]_124-taric slung [his]_124-taric viol off [his]_124-taric shoulders and tuned it , and beckoned [the child]_{272-the child} . [She]_1060-her came , knowing nothing who [Taric]_124-taric was ; [he]_124-taric was only to [her]_1060-her [a fierce‐eyed man like the rest , who would beat [her]_1060-her , most likely , if [she]_1060-her stood between [him]_124-taric and the sun , or overturned by mischance [his]_124-taric horn of liquor]_{1064-a fierce‐eyed man like the rest , who would beat her , most likely , if she stood between him and the sun , or overturned by mischance his horn of liquor} . [Phratos]_121-phratos played , and [all the gypsy children]_{1065-all the gypsy children} , as [their]_{1065-all the gypsy children} wo nt was , danced . But [she]_1060-her danced all alone , and with a grace and a fire that surpassed [theirs]_{1065-all the gypsy children} . [She]_1060-her was only [a baby]_{1066-a baby} still ; [she]_1060-her had only [her]_1060-her quick ear to guide [her]_1060-her , and [[her]_1060-her only teacher]_{1067-her only teacher} was such inborn instinct as makes the birds sing and [the young kids]_{1068-the young kids} gambol . Yet [she]_1060-her danced with a wondrous subtlety and intensity of ardour beyond [her]_1060-her years ; [her]_1060-her small brown limbs glancing like bronze in the fire‐glow , the sequins flashing in [her]_1060-her flying hair , and [her]_1060-her form flung high in air , like a bird on the wing , or a leaf on the wind ; never still , never ceasing to dart , and to leap , and to whirl , and to sway , yet always with a sweet dreamy indolence , even in [her]_1060-her fiery unrest . [Taric]_124-taric watched [her]_1060-her under [his]_124-taric bent brow until the music ceased , and [she]_1060-her dropped on the grass spent and panting like a swallow after a long ocean flight . “ [She]_1060-her will do , ”_[124-taric] [he]_124-taric muttered . “ What is it [you]_124-taric mean with [the child]_{272-the child} ? ”_[124-taric] [some women]_{1069-some women} asked . [Taric]_124-taric laughed . “ [The little vermin]_{4942-the little vermin} is good for a gold piece or two , ”_[124-taric] [he]_124-taric answered . [Phratos]_121-phratos said nothing , but [he]_121-phratos heard . After awhile [the camp]_{866-the camp} was still ; [the gypsies]_{1071-the gypsies} slept . [Two or three of [[their]_{1071-the gypsies} men]_{1073-their men}]_{1072-two or three of their men} went out to try and harry cattle by the light of the moon if [they]_{1072-two or three of their men} should be in luck ; [two others]_{1074-two others} went forth to set snares for the wood partridges and rabbits ; [the rest]_{1075-the rest} slumbered soundly , the dogs curled to a watching sleep of vigilant guard in [their]_{1075-the rest} midst . [Taric]_124-taric alone sat by the dying fire . When all was very quiet , and the stars were clear in the midnight skies , [the woman Zarâ]_{1076-the woman zarâ} stole out of [[her]_{1076-the woman zarâ} tent]_{1077-her tent} to [him]_124-taric . “ [You]_124-taric signed to [me]_{1076-the woman zarâ} , ”_{[1076-the woman zarâ]} [she]_{1076-the woman zarâ} said to [him]_124-taric in a low voice . “ [You]_124-taric want [the child]_{272-the child} killed ? ”_{[1076-the woman zarâ]} [Taric]_124-taric showed [his]_124-taric white teeth like a wolf . “ Not [I]_{1076-the woman zarâ} ; what should [I]_{1076-the woman zarâ} gain ? ”_{[1076-the woman zarâ]} “ What is it [you]_124-taric want , then , with [her]_{272-the child} ? ”_{[1076-the woman zarâ]} “ [I]_{1076-the woman zarâ} mean to take [her]_{272-the child} , that is all.—See here — a month ago , on [the other side of [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains}]_{4917-the other side of the mountains} , [I]_{1076-the woman zarâ} met [a fantoccini player]_{4946-a fantoccini player} . It was at a wine‐shop , hard by [Luzarches]_20-luzarches . [He]_{4946-a fantoccini player} had [a woman‐child]_{4947-a woman‐child} with [him]_{4946-a fantoccini player} who danced to [his]_{4946-a fantoccini player} music , and whom [the people]_{4948-the people} praised for [her]_{4947-a woman‐child} beauty , and who anticked like a dancing dog , and who made a great deal of silver . [We]_4949-we got [friends]_4950-friends , [he]_{4946-a fantoccini player} and [I.]_{1076-the woman zarâ} At the week ’s end [the brat]_{4951-the brat} died : some sickness of the throat , [they]_{4948-the people} said . [[Her]_{272-the child} master]_{640-her master} tore [his]_{640-her master} hair and raved ; [the little wretch]_{4953-the little wretch} was worth handfuls of coin to [him]_{640-her master} . For such another [he]_{640-her master} would give twelve gold pieces . [He]_{640-her master} shall have [her]_{272-the child} . [She]_{272-the child} will dance for [him]_{640-her master} and [me]_{1076-the woman zarâ} ; there is plenty to be made in that way . [The women]_{472-the women} are [fools]_4955-fools over [a handsome child]_{4956-a handsome child} ; [they]_{472-the women} open [their]_{472-the women} larders and [their]_{472-the women} purses . [I]_{1076-the woman zarâ} shall take [her]_{272-the child} away before sunrise ; [he]_{640-her master} says [he]_{640-her master} teaches [them]_{472-the women} in seven days , by starving [them]_{472-the women} and giving [them]_{472-the women} the stick . [She]_{272-the child} will dance while [she]_{272-the child} is [a child]_{657-a child} . Later on — there are the theatres ; [she]_{272-the child} will be strong and handsome , and in [the great cities]_{464-the great cities} , now , [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s comeliness is as [a mine of gold ore]_{4960-a mine of gold ore} . [I]_{1076-the woman zarâ} shall take [her]_{272-the child} away by sunrise . ”_{[1076-the woman zarâ]} “ To sell [her]_{272-the child} ? ”_[126-zarâ] The hard fierce heart of [Zarâ]_126-zarâ rebelled against [him]_1078-him ; [she]_126-zarâ had no tenderness save for [[her]_126-zarâ own offspring]_{1012-her own offspring} , and [she]_126-zarâ had maltreated [the stray child]_{1080-the stray child} many a time ; yet the proud liberty and the savage chastity of [[her]_126-zarâ race]_{1081-her race} were roused against [him]_1078-him by [his]_1078-him words . [Taric]_124-taric laughed again . “ Surely ; why not ? [I]_124-taric will make a dancing dog of [her]_{272-the child} for [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} ’ pastime ; and in time [she]_{272-the child} will make dancing dogs of [the nobles]_{4962-the nobles} and [the princes]_{4963-the princes} for [her]_{272-the child} own sport . It is a brave life — none better . ”_[124-taric] [The gypsy woman]_{1082-the gypsy woman} stood , astonished and irresolute . If [he]_1078-him had flung [[his]_1078-him child]_{1083-his child} in [the river]_{356-the river} , or thrown [her]_{1083-his child} off a rock , [he]_1078-him would have less offended the instincts and prejudices of [[her]_{1082-the gypsy woman} clan]_{1085-her clan} . “ What will [Phratos]_121-phratos say ? ”_{[1082-the gypsy woman]} [she]_{1082-the gypsy woman} asked at length . “ [Phratos]_121-phratos ? A rotten fig for [Phratos]_121-phratos ! What can [he]_121-phratos say — or do ? [The little beast]_{4964-the little beast} is [mine]_1078-him ; [I]_{1082-the gypsy woman} can wring its neck if [I]_{1082-the gypsy woman} choose , and if it refuse to pipe when [we]_4965-we play for it , [I]_{1082-the gypsy woman} will . ”_{[1082-the gypsy woman]} [The woman]_{633-the woman} sought in vain to dissuade [him]_1078-him ; [he]_1078-him was inflexible . [She]_{633-the woman} left [him]_1078-him at last , telling [herself]_{633-the woman} that it was no business of [hers]_{633-the woman} . [He]_1078-him had a right to do what [he]_1078-him chose with [his]_1078-him own . So went down and lay down amongst [[her]_{633-the woman} brown‐faced boys]_{1087-her brown‐faced boys} , and was indifferent , and slept . [Taric]_124-taric likewise slept , upon a pile of moss under the ledge of the rock , lulled by the heat of the fire , which , ere lying down , [he]_1078-him had fed with fresh boughs of resinous wood . When all was quite still , and [his]_1078-him deep quiet breathing told that [his]_1078-him slumber was not one easily broken , [a man]_{4875-a man} softly rose from the ground and threw off a mass of dead leaves that had covered [him]_1078-him , and stood erect , [a dark , strange , misshapen figure , in the moonlight]_{1089-a dark , strange , misshapen figure , in the moonlight} : it was [Phratos]_121-phratos . [He]_121-phratos had heard , and understood all that [Taric]_124-taric meant for the present and the future of [the child]_{272-the child} : and [he]_121-phratos knew that when [Taric]_124-taric vowed to do a thing for [his]_124-taric own gain , it were easier to uproot the chain of [the Europa]_{1091-the europa} than to turn [him]_1078-him aside from [his]_1078-him purpose . “ It was [my]_121-phratos doing ! ”_{[121-phratos]} said [Phratos]_121-phratos to [himself]_121-phratos bitterly , as [he]_121-phratos stood there , and [his]_121-phratos heart was sick and sore in [him]_121-phratos , as with self‐reproach for a crime . [He]_121-phratos thought awhile , standing still in the hush of the midnight ; then [he]_121-phratos went softly , with a footfall that did not waken a dog , and lifted up the skins of [[Zarâ]_126-zarâ ’s tent]_{1092-zarâ ’s tent} as they hung over the fir‐poles . The moonbeams slanting through the foliage strayed in , and showed [him]_121-phratos [the woman]_{633-the woman} , sleeping among [[her]_{633-the woman} rosy robust children]_{1094-her rosy robust children} , like a mastiff with [her]_{633-the woman} litter of tawny pups ; and away from [them]_{1094-her rosy robust children} , on the bare ground closer to the entrance , the slumbering from of [the young daughter of [Taric]_124-taric]_{1095-the young daughter of taric} . [She]_{633-the woman} woke as [he]_121-phratos touched [her]_{633-the woman} , opening bright bewildered eyes . “ Hush ! it is [I]_121-phratos , [Phratos]_121-phratos , ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos murmured over [her]_{633-the woman} , and the stifled cry died on [her]_{633-the woman} lips . [He]_121-phratos lifted [her]_{633-the woman} up in [his]_121-phratos arms and left [the tent]_{983-the tent} with [her]_{633-the woman} , and dropped the curtain of sheepskin , and went out into the clear , crisp , autumn night . [Her]_{633-the woman} eyes had closed again , and [her]_{633-the woman} head had sunk on [his]_121-phratos shoulder heavy with sleep ; [she]_{633-the woman} had not tried to keep awake one moment after knowing that it was [Phratos]_121-phratos who had come for [her]_{633-the woman} ; [she]_{633-the woman} loved [him]_121-phratos , and in [his]_121-phratos hold feared nothing . [Taric]_124-taric lay on [the ledge of the rock]_{1097-the ledge of the rock} , deaf with the torpor of a half‐drunken slumber , dreaming gloomily ; [his]_124-taric hand playing in [his]_124-taric dreams with the knife that was thrust in [his]_124-taric waist‐band . [Phratos]_121-phratos stepped gently past [him]_124-taric , and through the outstretched forms of the dogs and [men]_364-men , and across the died‐out embers of the fire , over which the emptied soup‐kettle still swung , as the night‐breeze blew to and fro its chain . [No one]_{264-no one} heard [him]_121-phratos . [He]_121-phratos went out from [their]_1100-they circle and down the path of [the gorge]_{927-the gorge} in silence , carrying [the child]_{272-the child} . [She]_{272-the child} was folded in a piece of sheepskin , and in [her]_{272-the child} hair there were still sequins . They glittered in the white light as [he]_121-phratos went ; as the wind blew , it touched the chords of the viol on [his]_121-phratos shoulder , and struck a faint musical sighing sound from them . “ Is it morning ? ”_{[272-the child]} [the child]_{272-the child} murmured , half asleep . “ No , [dear]_4966-dear ; it is night , ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos answered [her]_{272-the child} , and [she]_{272-the child} was content and slept again — the strings of the viol sending a soft whisper in [her]_{272-the child} drowsy ear , each time that the breeze arose and swept across [them]_1100-they . When the morning came , it found [him]_121-phratos far on [[his]_121-phratos road]_{1104-his road} , leaving behind [him]_121-phratos the Liébana . There followed a bright month of autumn weather . [The child]_{272-the child} was happy as [she]_{272-the child} had never been . [They]_1100-they moved on continually through [the plains]_{964-the plains} and [the fields]_{316-the fields} , [the hills]_{931-the hills} and [the woods]_{344-the woods} , [the hamlets]_{1110-the hamlets} and [the cities]_{1111-the cities} ; but [she]_{272-the child} and [the viol]_{1112-the viol} were never weary . [They]_1100-they rode aloft whist [he]_121-phratos toiled on . Yet neither was [he]_121-phratos weary , for the viol murmured in the wind , and [the child]_{272-the child} laughed in the sunshine . It was late in the year . [The earth]_{288-the earth} and the sky were a blaze of russet and purple , and scarlet and gold . The air was keen and swift , and strong like wine . A summer fragrance blended with a winter frost . The grape harvest had been gathered in , and had been plentiful , and [the people]_{4948-the people} were liberal and of good humour . Sometimes before a wine‐shop or beneath [a balcony]_{1116-a balcony} , or in a broad market‐square at evening , [Phratos]_121-phratos played ; and the silver and copper coins were dropped fast to [him]_121-phratos . When [he]_121-phratos had enough by [him]_121-phratos to get a crust for [himself]_121-phratos , and milk and fruit for [her]_{272-the child} , [he]_121-phratos did not pause to play , but moved on resolutely all the day , resting at night only . [He]_121-phratos bought [her]_{272-the child} a little garment of red foxes ’ furs ; [her]_{272-the child} head and feet were bare . [She]_{272-the child} bathed in clear running waters , and slept in a nest of hay . [She]_{272-the child} saw [vast towers]_{1117-vast towers} , and wondrous spires , and strange piles of wood and stone , and rivers spanned by arches , and great forests half leafless , and plains red in stormy sunset light , and [towns that lay]_{1118-towns that lay} hid in soft gold mists of vapour ; and saw all these as in a dream , [herself]_{272-the child} borne high in air , wrapped warm in fur , and lulled by the sweet familiar fraternity of [the old viol]_{1119-the old viol} . [She]_{272-the child} asked no questions , [she]_{272-the child} was content , like a mole or [a dormouse]_{1120-a dormouse} ; [she]_{272-the child} was not beaten or mocked , [she]_{272-the child} was never hungry nor cold ; [no one]_{264-no one} cursed [her]_{272-the child} , and [she]_{272-the child} was with [Phratos]_121-phratos . It takes time to go on foot across [a great country]_{1122-a great country} , and [Phratos]_121-phratos was nearly always on foot . Now and then [he]_121-phratos gave a coin or two , or a tune or two , for a lift on some straw‐laden waggon , or some mule‐cart full of pottery or of vegetables , that was crawling on its slow way through [the plains of [the marshy lands]_{1124-the marshy lands}]_{1123-the plains of the marshy lands} , or the poplar lined leagues of [the public highways]_{1125-the public highways} . But as a rule [he]_121-phratos plodded on by [himself]_121-phratos , shunning [the people of [[his]_121-phratos own race]_{1127-his own race} , and shunned in return by [the ordinary populace of the places through which [he]_121-phratos travelled]_{1128-the ordinary populace of the places through which he travelled}]_{1126-the people of his own race , and shunned in return by the ordinary populace of the places through which he travelled} . For [they]_1129-they knew [him]_121-phratos to be [a Spanish gypsy]_{1130-a spanish gypsy} , by [his]_121-phratos skin and [his]_121-phratos garb and [his]_121-phratos language , and by [the starry‐eyed Arab‐faced child who ran by [his]_121-phratos side in [her]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} red fur and [her]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} flashing sequins]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} . “ There is a curse written against all [honest folk]_{4967-honest folk} on every one of those shaking coins , ”_{[703-the peasants]} [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} muttered as [she]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} passed [them]_{703-the peasants} . [She]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} did not comprehend [their]_{703-the peasants} sayings , for [she]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} knew none but [her]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} gypsy tongue , and that only very imperfectly ; but [she]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} knew by [their]_{703-the peasants} glance that [they]_{703-the peasants} meant that [she]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} was something evil ; and [she]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} gripped tighter [Phratos]_121-phratos ’ hand — half‐terrified , half‐triumphant . The weather grew colder and the ground harder . The golden and scarlet glories of [the south and of the west]_{1133-the south and of the west} , [their]_{703-the peasants} red leafage and purple flowers , gorgeous sunsets and leaping waters , gave place to [the level pastures]_{1134-the level pastures} , pale skies , leafless woods , and dim grey tints of [the northerly lands]_{1135-the northerly lands} . The frosts became sharp , and mists that came from [unseen seas]_{1136-unseen seas} enveloped [them]_{703-the peasants} . There were [marvelous old towns]_{1137-marvelous old towns} ; [cathedral spires that arose , ethereal as vapour]_{1138-cathedral spires that arose , ethereal as vapour} ; [still dusky cities , aged with many centuries , that seemed to sleep eternally in the watery halo of the fog]_{1139-still dusky cities , aged with many centuries , that seemed to sleep eternally in the watery halo of the fog} ; [green cultivated hills , from whose smooth brows the earth‐touching clouds seemed never to lift themselves]_{1140-green cultivated hills , from whose smooth brows the earth‐touching clouds seemed never to lift themselves} ; [straight sluggish streams]_{1141-straight sluggish streams} , that flowed with leisurely laziness through [broad flat meadow lands]_{1142-broad flat meadow lands} , white with snow and obscure with vapour . For these [they]_{703-the peasants} had exchanged the pomp of dying foliage , the glory of crimson fruits , the fierce rush of the mistral , the odours of the noël‐born violets , the fantastic shapes of the aloes and olives rasing [their]_{703-the peasants} dark spears and their silvery network against the amber fires of a winter dawn in [the rich south‐west]_{21-the rich south‐west} . [The child]_{272-the child} was chilled , oppressed , vaguely awe‐struck , and disquieted ; but [she]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} said nothing ; [Phratos]_121-phratos was there and the viol . [She]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} missed [the red forests]_{1144-the red forests} and the leaping torrents , and the prickly fruits , and the smell of the violets and [the vineyards]_{1145-the vineyards} , and the wild shapes of the cactus , and the old myrtles that were hoary and contorted with age . But [she]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} did not complain nor ask any questions ; [she]_{1131-the starry‐eyed arab‐faced child who ran by his side in her red fur and her flashing sequins} had supreme faith in [Phratos]_121-phratos . One night , at the close of a black day in mid‐winter , the sharpest and hardest in cold that [hey]_1146-hey had ever encountered , [they]_{703-the peasants} passed through [a little town]_{1147-a little town} whose roadways were mostly [canals]_1148-canals , and whose spires and roofs and pinnacles and turrets and towers were all beautiful with the poetry and the majesty of a long perished age . The day had been bitter ; there was snow everywhere ; great blocks of ice choked up the water ; the belfry chimes rang shrilly through the rarified air ; [the few folks that were astir]_{1149-the few folks that were astir} were wrapped in wool or sheepskin ; through the casements there glowed the ruddy flush of burning logs ; and [the muffled watchmen]_{1150-the muffled watchmen} passing to and fro in antique custom on [their]_{1150-the muffled watchmen} rounds called out , under [the closed houses]_{1151-the closed houses} , that it was the eight of the night in a heavy snowstorm . [Phratos]_121-phratos paused in [the town]_{482-the town} at [an old hostelry]_{1153-an old hostelry} to give [the child]_{272-the child} a hot drink of milk and a roll of rye bread . There [he]_121-phratos asked the way [the wood]_{545-the wood} and [the mill of Yprès]_{1156-the mill of yprès} . [They]_{703-the peasants} told it [him]_121-phratos sullenly and suspiciously : since for a wild gypsy of [Spain]_22-spain [the shrewd , thrifty , plain people of the north]_{1157-the shrewd , thrifty , plain people of the north} had no liking . [He]_121-phratos thanked [them]_{703-the peasants} , and went on [his]_121-phratos way , out of the barriers of [the little town]_{1158-the little town} along [a road by [the river]_{356-the river} towards [the country]_{751-the country}]_{1159-a road by the river towards the country} . “ Art [thou]_{272-the child} cold , [dear]_4966-dear ? ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos asked [her]_{272-the child} , with more tenderness than common sense in [his]_121-phratos voice . [The child]_{272-the child} shivered under [her]_{272-the child} little fur skin , which would not keep out the searching of the hurricane and the driving of the snowflakes ; but [she]_{272-the child} drew [her]_{272-the child} breath quickly , and answered [him]_121-phratos , “ No . ”_{[272-the child]} [They]_1163-they came to a little wood , leafless and black in the gloomy night ; a dead crow swung in [their]_1163-they faces on a swaying pear‐tree ; the roar of the mill‐stream loudly filled what otherwise would have been an intense silence . [He]_121-phratos made [his]_121-phratos way in by [a little wicket]_{1164-a little wicket} , through [an orchard]_{1165-an orchard} and through [a garden]_{1166-a garden} , and so to the front of [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} . The shutters were not closed ; through the driving of the snow [he]_121-phratos could see within . It looked to [him]_121-phratos — [a houseless wanderer from [his]_121-phratos youth]_{1168-a houseless wanderer from his youth} up — strangely warm and safe and still . [An old man]_{1169-an old man} sat on one side of the wide heart ; [an old woman , who span , on the other]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} ; the spinning‐wheel turned , the thread flew , the logs smoked and flamed , the red glow played on the blue and white tiles of the chimney‐place , and dance on the pewter and brass on the shelves ; from the rafters there hung smoked meats and dried herbs and strings of onions ; there was a crucifix , and below it a little Nativity , in wax and carved wood . [He]_121-phratos could not tell that [the goodly stores]_{1171-the goodly stores} were only gathered there to be sold later at famine prices to [a starving peasantry]_{1172-a starving peasantry} ; [he]_121-phratos could not tell that [the wooden god]_{1173-the wooden god} was only worshipped in a blind , bigoted , brutal selfishness , that desired to save [its]_{1173-the wooden god} own soul , and to leave all other souls to eternal damnation . [He]_121-phratos could not tell ; [he]_121-phratos only saw old age and warmth , and comfort ; and what [the people who hooted [him]_121-phratos as [a heathen]_{1175-a heathen} called the religion of Love]_{1174-the people who hooted him as a heathen called the religion of love} . “ [They]_1176-they will surely be good to [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} ? ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos thought . “ [Old people]_{4969-old people} , and prosperous , and alone by [their]_1176-they fireside . ”_{[121-phratos]} It seemed that [they]_1176-they must be so . Any way , there was no other means to save [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} from [Taric]_124-taric . [His]_121-phratos hear was sore within [him]_121-phratos , for [he]_121-phratos had grown to love [the child]_{272-the child} ; and to the vagrant instincts of [his]_121-phratos race the life of [the house]_{323-the house} and of the hearth seemed like the life of the cage for the bird . Yet [Phratos]_121-phratos , who was not altogether as [[his]_121-phratos own people]_{999-his own people} were , but had thought much and often in [his]_121-phratos own wild way , knew that such a life was the best for [a woman child,—and]_{1180-a woman child,—and} , above all , for [a woman child who had such a sire as [Taric]_124-taric]_{1181-a woman child who had such a sire as taric} . To keep [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} with [himself]_121-phratos was impossible . [He]_121-phratos had always dwelt with [[his]_121-phratos tribe]_{843-his tribe} , having no life apart from [theirs]_{843-his tribe} ; and even if [he]_121-phratos had left [them]_{843-his tribe} , wherever [he]_121-phratos had wandered , there would [Taric]_124-taric have followed , and found [him]_121-phratos , and claimed [the child]_{272-the child} by [his]_121-phratos right of blood . There was no other way to secure [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} from present misery and future shame , save only this ; to place [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} with [[her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} mother ’s people]_{1184-her mother ’s people} . [She]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} stood beside [him]_121-phratos , still and silent , gazing through the snowflakes at the warmth of the mill‐kitchen within . [He]_121-phratos stooped over [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} , and pushed between [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} fur garment and [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} skin the letter [he]_121-phratos had found on the breast of [the dead woman in the Liébana]_{1185-the dead woman in the liébana} . “ [Thou]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} wilt go in [there]_439-there [the old man]_{335-the old man} yonder , and sleep by that pleasant fire to‐night , ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos murmured to [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} . “ And [thou]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} wilt be good and gentle , and even as [thou]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} art to [me]_121-phratos always ; and to‐morrow at noontide [I]_121-phratos will come and see how it fares with [thee]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} . ”_{[121-phratos]} [Her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} small hands tightened upon [his]_121-phratos . “ [I]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} will not go without [thee]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} , ”_{[1170-an old woman , who span , on the other]} [she]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} muttered in the broken tongue of [the gypsy children]_{1186-the gypsy children} . There were food and milk , fire and shelter , safety from the night and storm there , [she]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} saw ; but these s were nought to [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} without [Phratos]_121-phratos . [She]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} struggled against [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} fate as the young bird struggles against being thrust into the cage,—not knowing what captivity means , and yet afraid of it and rebelling by instinct . [He]_121-phratos took [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} up in [his]_121-phratos arms , and pressed [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} close to [him]_121-phratos , and for the first time kissed [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} . For [Phratos]_121-phratos , though tender to [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} , had [no woman]_{1187-no woman} ’s foolishness , but had taught [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} to be hardy and strong , and to look for neither caresses nor compassion — knowing well that to [the love child of [Taric]_124-taric]_{1188-the love child of taric} in [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} future years the first could only mean shame , and the last could only mean alms , which would be shame likewise . “ Go , [dear]_4966-dear , ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos said softly to [her]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} ; and then [he]_121-phratos struck with [his]_121-phratos staff on the wooden door , and lifting its latch , unclosed it ; and thrust [the child]_{272-the child} forward , ere [she]_{1170-an old woman , who span , on the other} could resist , into the darkness of the low entrance place . Then [he]_121-phratos turned and went swiftly [himself]_121-phratos through [the orchard]_{1190-the orchard} and wood into the gloom and the storm of the night . [He]_121-phratos knew that to show [himself]_121-phratos to [a northern householder]_{1191-a northern householder} were to do [her]_{1191-a northern householder} evil and hurt ; for between [the wanderer of [the Spanish forests]_{1193-the spanish forests}]_{1192-the wanderer of the spanish forests} and [the peasant of the Norman pastures]_{1194-the peasant of the norman pastures} there could be only defiance , mistrust , and disdain . “ [I]_121-phratos will see how it is with [her]_{1191-a northern householder} to‐morrow , ”_{[121-phratos]} [he]_121-phratos said to [himself]_121-phratos as [he]_121-phratos faced again the wind and the sleet . “ If it be well with [her]_{1191-a northern householder} — let it be well . If not , [she]_{1191-a northern householder} must come forth with [me]_121-phratos , and [we]_4973-we must seek some lair where [[her]_{1191-a northern householder} wolf‐sire]_{4974-her wolf‐sire} shall not prowl and discover [her]_{1191-a northern householder} . But it will be hard to f ind ; for the vengeance of [Taric]_124-taric is swift of foot and has a far‐stretching hand an eyes that are sleepless . And [his]_121-phratos heart was heavy in [him]_121-phratos as [he]_121-phratos went . [He]_121-phratos had done what seemed to [him]_121-phratos just and due to [the child]_{272-the child} and [[her]_{272-the child} mother]_{774-her mother} ; [he]_121-phratos had been true to the vow [he]_121-phratos had made answering the mute prayer of the sightless dead eyes ; [he]_121-phratos had saved the flesh of [the child]_{272-the child} from the whip of [the trainer]_{4978-the trainer} , and the future of [the child]_{272-the child} from the shame of [the brothel]_{4980-the brothel} ; [he]_121-phratos had done thus much in saving [her]_{272-the child} from [[her]_{272-the child} father]_{389-her father} , and [he]_121-phratos had done it in the only way the was possible to [him]_121-phratos . Yet [his]_121-phratos heart was heavy as [he]_121-phratos went ; and it seemed to [him]_121-phratos even as though [he]_121-phratos had thrust some mountain bird with pinions that would cleave the clouds , and eyes that would seek the sun , and a song that would rise with the dawn , and a courage that would breast the thunder , down into the darkness of a trap , to be shorn and crippled and silenced for evermore . “_{[121-phratos]} [I]_0-her will see [her]_1195-her to‐morrow , ” [he]_121-phratos told [himself]_121-phratos ; restless with a vague remorse , as though the good [he]_121-phratos had done had been evil . But when the morrow dawned there had happened that to [Phratos]_121-phratos which forbade [him]_121-phratos to see whether it were well with [her]_1195-her that day or any day in all the many years that came . For [Phratos]_121-phratos that night , being blinded and shrouded in the storm of snow , lost such slender knowledge as [he]_121-phratos had of [that northern country]_{4982-that northern country} , and wandered far afield , not knowing where [he]_121-phratos was in [the wide white desert]_{4983-the wide white desert} , on which no single star‐ray shone . The violence of the storm grew with the hours . [The land]_{4984-the land} was a sheet of snow . [The plains]_{964-the plains} were dim and trackless as [a desert]_{4986-a desert} . [Sheep]_132-sheep were frozen in [their]_132-sheep folds , and [cattle]_4987-cattle drowned amidst the ice in the darkness . All lights were out , and the warning peals of the bells were drowned in the tempest of the winds . [The land]_{4984-the land} was strange to [him]_121-phratos , and [he]_121-phratos lost all knowledge where [he]_121-phratos was . Above , beneath , around , were the dense rolling clouds of snow . Now and then through the tumult of the hurricane there was blown a strange harsh burst of jangled chimes that wailed a moment loudly on the silence and then died again . At many doors [he]_121-phratos knocked : the doors of little lonely places standing in the great colourless waste . But each door , being opened cautiously , was with haste shut in [his]_121-phratos face again . “_[0-her] It is [a gypsy]_{893-a gypsy} , ” [the people]_{4948-the people} muttered , and were afraid ; and [they]_{4948-the people} drew [their]_{4948-the people} bars closer and huddled together in [their]_{4948-the people} beds , and thanked [[their]_{4948-the people} saints]_{4990-their saints} that [they]_{4948-the people} were safe beneath a roof . [He]_121-phratos wrapped [his]_121-phratos sheepskin closer round [him]_121-phratos and set [his]_121-phratos face against the blast . A hundred times [he]_121-phratos strove to set [his]_121-phratos steps backwards to [the town]_{482-the town} , and a hundred times [he]_121-phratos failed ; and moved round and round vainly , never escaping the maze of [the endless white fields]_{4992-the endless white fields} . Now the night was long , and [he]_121-phratos was weakly . In the midst of [the fields]_{316-the fields} there was a cross , and at the head of the cross hung a lantern . The wind tossed the light to and fro . It flickered on the head of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . [She]_{4876-a woman} lay in the snow , and [her]_{4876-a woman} hand grasped [his]_121-phratos foot as [he]_121-phratos passed [her]_{4876-a woman} . “_{[893-a gypsy]} [I]_0-her am dead , ” [she]_{4876-a woman} said to [him]_121-phratos : “_[0-her] dead of hunger . But [the lad]_{1197-the lad} lives — save [him]_{1197-the lad} . ” And as [she]_{4876-a woman} spoke , [her]_{4876-a woman} lips closed together and [her]_{4876-a woman} throat rattled , and [she]_{4876-a woman} died . [The boy]_{4995-the boy} slept at [her]_{4876-a woman} feet , and babbled in [his]_{4995-the boy} sleep , delirious . [Phratos]_121-phratos stooped down and raised [him]_{4995-the boy} . [He]_{4995-the boy} was [a child of eight years , and worn with famine and fever]_{4996-a child of eight years , and worn with famine and fever} , and [his]_{4995-the boy} gaunt eyes stared hideously up at the driving snow . [Phratos]_121-phratos folded [him]_{4995-the boy} in [his]_121-phratos arms , and went on with [him]_{4995-the boy} : the snow had nearly covered the body of [[his]_{4995-the boy} mother]_{4997-his mother} . All around [him]_{4995-the boy} were [the fields]_{316-the fields} . There was no light , except from the lantern on the cross . [A few sheep]_{4999-a few sheep} huddled near without [a shepherd]_{5000-a shepherd} . The stillness was intense . The bells had ceased to ring , or [he]_{4995-the boy} had wandered far from the sound of them . [The lad]_{1197-the lad} was senseless ; [he]_{1197-the lad} muttered drearily foolish words of fever ; [his]_{1197-the lad} limbs hung in a dead weight ; [his]_{1197-the lad} teeth chattered . [Phratos]_121-phratos , bearing [him]_{4995-the boy} , struggled on : the snow was deep and drifted heavily ; every now and then [he]_{1197-the lad} stumbled and plunged to [his]_{1197-the lad} knees in [a rift of earth]_{5002-a rift of earth} or in [a shallow pool of ice]_{5003-a shallow pool of ice} . At last [his]_{1197-the lad} strength , feeble at all times , failed [him]_{1197-the lad} ; [his]_{1197-the lad} arms could bear their burden no longer ; [he]_{1197-the lad} let [the young boy]_{5004-the young boy} slip from [his]_{1197-the lad} hold upon the ground ; and stood , breathless and broken , with the snowflakes beating on [him]_{1197-the lad} . “_{[633-the woman]} [The woman]_{633-the woman} trusted [me]_0-her , ” [he]_{1197-the lad} thought ; [she]_{633-the woman} was [a stranger]_{5005-a stranger} , [she]_{633-the woman} was [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} , [she]_{633-the woman} was dead . [She]_{633-the woman} had no bond upon [him]_{1197-the lad} , neither could [she]_{633-the woman} ever bear witness against [him]_{1197-the lad} . Yet [he]_{1197-the lad} was loyal to [her]_{633-the woman} . [He]_{1197-the lad} unwound the sheepskin that [he]_{1197-the lad} wore , and stripped [himself]_{1197-the lad} of it , and folded it about [the sick child]_{5007-the sick child} , and with a slow laborious effort drew the little body under the frail shelter of a knot of furze , and wrapped it closely round , and left it there . It was all that [he]_{1197-the lad} could do . Then , with no defence between [him]_{1197-the lad} and the driving cold , [he]_{1197-the lad} strove once more to find [[his]_{1197-the lad} road]_{1104-his road} . It was quite dark ; quite still . The snow fell ceaselessly ; [the white wide land]_{5009-the white wide land} was pathless as [the sea]_{405-the sea} . [He]_{1197-the lad} stumbled on as [a mule]_{5011-a mule} may that being blind and bruised yet holds its way from the sheer instinct of its sad dumb patience . [His]_{1197-the lad} veins were frozen ; [his]_{1197-the lad} beard was ice ; the wind cut [his]_{1197-the lad} flesh like a scourge ; a sickly dreamy sleepiness stole on [him]_{1197-the lad} . [He]_{1197-the lad} knew well what it meant . [He]_{1197-the lad} tried to rouse [himself]_{1197-the lad} ; [he]_{1197-the lad} was young , and [his]_{1197-the lad} life had its sweetness ; and there were faces [he]_{1197-the lad} would fain have seen again , and voices whose laughter [he]_{1197-the lad} would fain have heard . [He]_{1197-the lad} drew the viol round and touched its strings ; but [his]_{1197-the lad} frozen fingers had lost their cunning , and the soul of the music was chilled and dumb : it only sighed in answer . [He]_{1197-the lad} kissed it softly as [he]_{1197-the lad} would have kissed [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s lips , and put it in [his]_{1197-the lad} bosom . It had all [his]_{1197-the lad} youth in it . Then [he]_{1197-the lad} stumbled onward yet again , feebly , being a cripple and cold to the bone , and pierced with a million thorns of pain . There was no light anywhere . [The endless wilderness of [the ploughed lands]_{5014-the ploughed lands} stretched all around [him]_{1197-the lad}]_{5013-the endless wilderness of the ploughed lands stretched all around him} ; where [the little hamlets clustered the storm hid [them]_{5013-the endless wilderness of the ploughed lands stretched all around him}]_{5015-the little hamlets clustered the storm hid them} ; no light could penetrate the denseness of that changeless gloom ; and the only sound that rose upon the ghastly silence was the moaning of [some perishing flock locked in a flood of ice]_{5016-some perishing flock locked in a flood of ice} , and deserted by [its shepherd]_{5017-its shepherd} . But what [he]_{1197-the lad} saw and what [he]_{1197-the lad} heard were not these ; going barefoot and blindfold to [his]_{1197-the lad} death , the things of [[his]_{1197-the lad} own land]_{5018-his own land} were with [him]_{1197-the lad} ; the golden glories of sunsets of paradise ; the scarlet blaze of [a wilderness of flowers]_{5019-a wilderness of flowers} ; the sound of the fountains at midnight ; the glancing of the swift feet in the dances ; the sweetness of songs sad as death sung in [the desolate courts of [the old palaces]_{5021-the old palaces}]_{5020-the desolate courts of the old palaces} ; the deep dreamy hush of white moons shining through lines of palms straight on [a silvery sea]_{5022-a silvery sea} . These arose and drifted before [him]_{1197-the lad} , and [he]_{1197-the lad} ceased to suffer or to know , and sleep conquered [him]_{1197-the lad} ; and [he]_{1197-the lad} dropped down on [the earth]_{288-the earth} noiselessly and powerlessly as a leaf sins ; and the snow fell and covered [him]_{1197-the lad} . When the morning broke [a peasant]_{5024-a peasant} , going to [his]_{5024-a peasant} labour in [the fields]_{316-the fields} while the stormy winter sun rose red over [the whitened world]_{5026-the whitened world} , found both [his]_{5024-a peasant} body and [the child]_{272-the child} ’s . [The boy]_{4995-the boy} was warm and living , still beneath the shelter of the sheepskin : [Phratos]_121-phratos was dead . [The people]_{4948-the people} succoured [the child]_{272-the child} , and nursed and fed [him]_{272-the child} so that [his]_{272-the child} life was saved ; but to [Phratos]_121-phratos [they]_{4948-the people} only gave such burial as the corby gives the stricken deer . “_{[633-the woman]} It is only [a gypsy]_{893-a gypsy} ; let [him]_{893-a gypsy} lie , ” [they]_{4948-the people} said ; and [they]_{4948-the people} left [him]_{893-a gypsy} there , and the snow kept [him]_{893-a gypsy} . [His]_{893-a gypsy} viol [they]_{4948-the people} robbed [him]_{893-a gypsy} of , and cast it as a plaything to [[their]_{4948-the people} children]_{768-their children} . But [the children]_{452-the children} could make no melody from its dumb strings . For the viol was faithful ; and its music was dead too . And [[his]_{893-a gypsy} own land]_{5018-his own land} and [[his]_{893-a gypsy} own people]_{999-his own people} knew [him]_{893-a gypsy} never again ; and never again at evening was the voice of [his]_{893-a gypsy} viol heard in the stillness ; and never again did [the young men]_{5035-the young men} and [the maidens]_{5036-the maidens} dance to [his]_{893-a gypsy} bidding , and the tears and the laughter rise and fall at [his]_{893-a gypsy} will , and the beasts and the birds frisk and sing at [his]_{893-a gypsy} coming , and [the children]_{452-the children} in [his]_{893-a gypsy} footsteps cry:—“Lo_{[633-the woman]} , it is summer , since [Phratos]_121-phratos is here ! ” THE hottest sun of a hot summer shone on [a straight dusty road]_{5038-a straight dusty road} . [An old man]_{1169-an old man} was breaking stones by [the wayside]_{5040-the wayside} ; [he]_{1169-an old man} was very old , very bent , very lean , worn by ninety years if [he]_{1169-an old man} had been worn by one ; but [he]_{1169-an old man} struck yet with a will , and the flints flew in a thousand pieces under [his]_{1169-an old man} hammer , as though [the youth]_{5041-the youth} and the force of nineteen years instead of ninety were at work on them . When the noon bell rang from [a little odd straight steeple]_{5042-a little odd straight steeple} , with a slanting roof , that peered out of the trees to the westward , [he]_{1169-an old man} laid [his]_{1169-an old man} hammer aside , threw off [his]_{1169-an old man} brass‐plated cap , wiped [his]_{1169-an old man} forehead of its heat and dust , sat down on [his]_{1169-an old man} pile of stones , and took out hard black crust and munched it with teeth that were still strong and white . The noontide was very quiet ; the heat was intense , for there had been no rainfall for several weeks ; there was one lark singing high up in the air , with its little breast lifted to the sun ; but all the other birds were mute and invisible , doubtless hidden in some delicious shadow , swinging drowsily on tufts of linden bloom , or underneath the roofing of broad chestnut leaves . [The road]_{4855-the road} on either side was lined by the straight forms of endless poplars , standing side by side as sentinels . [The fields]_{316-the fields} were all ablaze on [every acre]_{5045-every acre} with the gold of ripening corn or mustard , and the scarlet flame of innumerable poppies . Here and there they were broken by [some little house]_{5046-some little house} , white or black , or painted in bright colours , which lifted up amongst [its]_{5046-some little house} leaves a little tower like a sugar‐loaf or a carved gable , and a pointed arch beneath it . Now and then [they]_{316-the fields} were divided by rows of trees standing breathless in the heat , or breadths of [apple orchards]_{5047-apple orchards} , some with early fruits already ripe , some with fruits as yet green as their foliage . Through it all [the river]_{356-the river} ran , silver in the light ; with shallow fords , where [the deep‐flanked bullocks]_{5049-the deep‐flanked bullocks} drank ; and ever and anon [an ancient picturesque bridge of wood]_{5050-an ancient picturesque bridge of wood} , time‐bronzed and moss‐embroidered . [The old man]_{335-the old man} did not look round once ; [he]_{335-the old man} had been on [these roads]_{5052-these roads} a score of years ; [the place]_{342-the place} had to [him]_{335-the old man} the monotony and colourlessness which all long familiar scenes wear to the eyes that are weary of them . [He]_{335-the old man} was ninety‐five ; [he]_{335-the old man} had to labour for [his]_{335-the old man} living ; [he]_{335-the old man} ate black bread ; [he]_{335-the old man} had no living kith or [kin]_5054-kin ; [no friend]_{5055-no friend} save in [the mighty legion of the dead]_{5056-the mighty legion of the dead} ; and [he]_{335-the old man} sat in the scorch of the sun ; [he]_{335-the old man} hated [the earth]_{288-the earth} and the sky , the air and the landscape : why not ? [They]_5058-their had no loveliness for [him]_{335-the old man} ; [he]_{335-the old man} only knew that the flies stung [him]_{335-the old man} and that the red ants could crawl through the holes in [his]_{335-the old man} shoes , and bite [him]_{335-the old man} sharply with [their]_5058-their little piercing teeth . [He]_{335-the old man} sat in such shade as [the tall lean poplar]_{5059-the tall lean poplar} gave , munching [his]_{335-the old man} hard crusts ; [he]_{335-the old man} had a fine keen profile and a long white beard that were thrown out as sharply as a sculpture against the golden sunlight , in which the gnats were dancing . [His]_{335-the old man} eyes were fastened on the dust as [he]_{335-the old man} ate ; blue piercing eyes that had still something of the fire of [their]_5058-their youth ; and [his]_{335-the old man} lips under the white hair moved a little now and then , half audibly . [His]_{335-the old man} thoughts were with the long dead years of an unforgotten time — a time that will be remembered as long as [the earth]_{288-the earth} shall circle round the sun . With the present [he]_{335-the old man} had nothing to do ; [he]_{335-the old man} worked to satisfy the lingering cravings of a body that age seemed to have lost all power to kill ; [he]_{335-the old man} worked because [he]_{335-the old man} was too much of [a man]_{4875-a man} still to beg , and because suicide looked to [his]_{335-the old man} fancy like a weakness , but life for all that was over with [him]_{335-the old man} ; life in the years of [his]_{335-the old man} boyhood had been a thing so splendid , so terrible , so drunken , so divine , so tragic , so intense , that [the world]_{268-the world} seemed now to [him]_{335-the old man} to have grown pale and grey and pulseless , with no sap in its veins , no hue in its suns , no blood in its humanity . For [his]_{335-the old man} memory held the days of Thermidor ; the weeks of the White Terror ; the winter dawn , when the drums rolled out [a King]_{5063-a king} ’s threnody ; the summer nights , when all the throats of [Paris]_10-paris cried “_{[134-marengo]} [Marengo]_134-marengo ! ” [He]_{335-the old man} had lived in the wondrous awe of that abundant time when every hour was an agony or a victory ; when [every woman]_{5064-every woman} was [a martyr]_{5065-a martyr} or a bacchanal ; when the same scythe that had severed the flowering grasses served also to cleave the fair breasts of [the mother]_{5066-the mother} , the tender throat of [the child]_{272-the child} ; when [the ground]_{5068-the ground} was purple with the blue blood of [men]_364-men as with the juices of out‐trodden grapes , and when [the waters]_{373-the waters} were white with the bodies of [virgins]_5071-virgins as with the moon‐fed lilies of summer . And how [he]_{335-the old man} sat here by the wayside , in the dust and the sun , only feeling the sting of the fly and the bite of the ant ; and [the world]_{268-the world} seemed dead to [him]_{335-the old man} , because so long ago , though [his]_{335-the old man} body still lived on , [his]_{335-the old man} soul and had cursed [God]_118-god and died . Through the golden notes of the dancing air and of the quivering sunbeams , whilst high above the lark sang on , there came along [the road]_{4855-the road} [a girl]_{5074-a girl} . [She]_{5074-a girl} was bare‐footed and bare‐throated , lithe of movement , and straight and supple , as one who passed [her]_{5074-a girl} life on [the open lands]_{5075-the open lands} and was abroad in all changes of the weather . [She]_{5074-a girl} walked with the free and fearless measure of [the country women of [Rome]_23-rome or [the desert‐born women of [Nubia]_24-nubia]_{5077-the desert‐born women of nubia}]_{5076-the country women of rome or the desert‐born women of nubia} ; [she]_{5074-a girl} had barely entered [his]_{335-the old man} sixteenth year ; but [her]_{5074-a girl} bosom and limbs were full and firm , and moulded with almost the luxuriant splendor of maturity ; [her]_{5074-a girl} head was not covered after the fashion of [the country]_{751-the country} , but had a scarlet kerchief wound about , and on it [she]_{5074-a girl} bore a great flat basket , filled high with fruits and herbs and flowers ; a mass of colour and of blossom , through whose leaves and tendrils [her]_{5074-a girl} dark level brows and [her]_{5074-a girl} great eyes , blue black as a tempestuous night , looked out , set straight against the sun . [She]_{5074-a girl} came on , treading down the dust with [her]_{5074-a girl} long and slender feet , that were such feet as [a sculptor]_{5079-a sculptor} would give [his]_{5079-a sculptor} Cleopatra or [his]_{5079-a sculptor} Phryne . [Her]_{5074-a girl} face was grave , shadowed , even fierce ; and [her]_{5074-a girl} mouth , though scarlet as a berry and full and curled , had its lips pressed close to one another , like the lips of [one who has long kept silence , and may keep it — until death]_{5080-one who has long kept silence , and may keep it — until death} . As [she]_{5074-a girl} saw [the old man]_{335-the old man} [her]_{5074-a girl} eyes changed and lightened with a smile which for the moment banished all the gloom and savage patience from [her]_{5074-a girl} eyes , and made them mellow and lustrous as a southern sun . [She]_{5074-a girl} paused before [him]_{335-the old man} , and spoke , showing [her]_{5074-a girl} beautiful white teeth , small and even , like rows of cowrie shells . “_{[134-marengo]} [You]_1200-you are well , [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} ? ” [The old man]_{335-the old man} started , and looked up with a certain gladness on [his]_{335-the old man} own keen visage , which had lost all expression save such as an intense and absorbed retrospection will lend . “_[4877-fool] [Fool]_4877-fool ! ” [he]_{335-the old man} made answer , harshly yet not unkindly . “_[4877-fool] When will [you]_1200-you know that so long as [an old man]_{1169-an old man} lives so long it can not be ‘ well ’ with [him]_{1169-an old man} ? ” “_[1200-you] Need one be [a man]_{4875-a man} , or old , to answer so ? ” [She]_{5074-a girl} spoke in the accent and the language of [the province]_{5083-the province} , but with a voice rich and pure and cold ; not the voice of [the north]_{5084-the north} , or of [any peasantry]_{5085-any peasantry} . [She]_{5074-a girl} put [her]_{5074-a girl} basket down from off [her]_{5074-a girl} head , and leaned against the trunk of the poplar beside [him]_{335-the old man} , crossing [her]_{5074-a girl} arms upon [her]_{5074-a girl} bare chest . “_[1200-you] To [the young everything]_{1204-the young everything} is possible ; to [the old nothing]_{1205-the old nothing} , ” [he]_{335-the old man} said curtly . [Her]_{5074-a girl} eyes gleamed with a fierce thirsty longing ; [she]_{5074-a girl} made [him]_{335-the old man} no reply . [He]_{335-the old man} broke off half [his]_{335-the old man} dry bread and tendered it to [her]_{5074-a girl} . [She]_{5074-a girl} shook [her]_{5074-a girl} head and motioned it away ; yet [she]_{5074-a girl} was as hungered as any hawk that has hunted all through the night and [the woods]_{344-the woods} , and has killed nothing . The growing life , the superb strength , the lofty stature of [her]_{5074-a girl} made [her]_{5074-a girl} need constant nourishment , as young trees need it ; and [she]_{5074-a girl} was fed as scantily as [a blind beggar]_{5087-a blind beggar} ’s dog , and less willingly than [a galley slave]_{5088-a galley slave} . The kindly air had fed [her]_{5074-a girl} richly , strongly , continually ; that was all . “_{[1205-the old nothing]} Possible ! ” [she]_{5074-a girl} said slowly , after awhile . “_{[1205-the old nothing]} What is possible ? [I]_0-her do not understand . ” [The old man]_{335-the old man} , [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , smiled grimly . “_[0-her] [You]_0-her see that lark ? It soars there , and sings there . It is possible that [a fowler]_{1206-a fowler} may hide in the grasses ; it is possible that it may be shot as it sings ; it is possible that it may have the honour to die in agony to grace [a rich man]_{1207-a rich man} ’s table . [You]_0-her see ? ” [She]_{5074-a girl} mused a moment ; [her]_{5074-a girl} brain was rapid in intuitive perception , but barren of all culture ; it took [her]_{5074-a girl} many moments to follow the filmy track of a metaphorical utterance . But by degrees [she]_{5074-a girl} saw [his]_{335-the old man} meaning , and the shadow settled over [her]_{5074-a girl} face again . “_[0-her] The possible , then , is only — the worse ? ” [she]_{5074-a girl} said slowly . [The old man]_{335-the old man} smiled still grimly . “_[0-her] Nay ; [[our]_1208-our friends]_{1209-our friends} [the priests]_{514-the priests} say there is a ‘ possible ’ which will give — one day — [the fowler who kills the lark the wings of the lark]_{1211-the fowler who kills the lark the wings of the lark} , and the lark ’s power to sing Laus Deo in [heaven]_1212-heaven . [I]_0-her do not say — [they]_{514-the priests} do . ” “_{[514-the priests]} [The priests]_{514-the priests} ! ” All the scorn of which [her]_{5074-a girl} curved lips were capable curled on them , and a deep hate gathered in [her]_{5074-a girl} eyes — a hate that was unfathomable and mute . “_{[514-the priests]} Then there is no ‘ possible ’ for [me]_0-her , ” [she]_{5074-a girl} said bitterly , “_{[514-the priests]} if so be that [priests]_493-priests hold the gifts of it ? ” [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} looked up at [her]_{5074-a girl} from under [his]_5091-his bushy white eyebrows ; a glance fleet and keen as the gleam of blue steel . “_{[493-priests]} Yes , there is , ” [he]_5091-his said curtly . “_{[493-priests]} [You]_0-her are [a woman child]_{1215-a woman child} , and have beauty : the devil will give [you]_0-her one . ” “_{[493-priests]} Always the devil ! ” [she]_{5074-a girl} muttered . There was impatience in [her]_{5074-a girl} echo of the words , and yet there was an awe also as of [one who uses a name that is mighty and full of majesty]_{5092-one who uses a name that is mighty and full of majesty} , although familiar . “_{[493-priests]} Always the devil ! ” repeated [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} . “_{[493-priests]} For [the world]_{268-the world} is always of [men]_364-men . ” [His]_5091-his meaning this time lay too deep for [her]_{5074-a girl} , and passed [her]_{5074-a girl} ; [she]_{5074-a girl} stood leaning against the poplar , with [her]_{5074-a girl} head bent and [her]_{5074-a girl} form motionless in the sunlight like a statue of bronze . “_{[493-priests]} If [men]_364-men be [devils]_1219-devils [they]_364-men are [[my]_0-her brethren]_{1220-my brethren} , ” [she]_{5074-a girl} said suddenly : “_[364-men] why do [they]_364-men then so hate [me]_0-her ? ” [The old man]_{335-the old man} stroked [his]_{335-the old man} beard . “_[364-men] Because [Fraternity]_{136-fraternity} is Hate . [Cain]_137-cain said so ; but [God]_118-god would not believe [him]_137-cain . ” [She]_{5074-a girl} mused over the saying ; silent still . [The lark]_{5094-the lark} dropped down from heaven , suddenly falling through the air , mute . It had been struck by a sparrow‐hawk , which flashed black against the azure of the skies and the white haze of the atmosphere ; and which flew down in the track of the lark and seized it ere it gained the shelter of the grass and bore it away within [his]_{335-the old man} talons . [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} pointed to it with [his]_{335-the old man} pipe‐stem . “_[137-cain] [You]_1221-you see there are many forms of the ‘ possible ’ ” — “_[137-cain] When it means Death , ” [she]_{5074-a girl} added . [The old man]_{335-the old man} took [his]_{335-the old man} pipe back and smoked . “_[137-cain] Of‐course — Death is the key‐note of creation . ” Again [she]_{5074-a girl} did not comprehend ; a puzzled pain clouded the lustre of [her]_{5074-a girl} eyes . “_[137-cain] But the lark praised [God]_118-god — why should it be so dealt with ? ” [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} smiled grimly . “_[138-abel] [Abel]_138-abel was praising [God]_118-god ; but that did not turn aside the steel . ” [She]_{5074-a girl} was silent yet again ; [he]_{335-the old man} had told [her]_{5074-a girl} that old story of [the sons born of [Eve]_139-eve]_{5096-the sons born of eve} , and the one whom , hearing it , [she]_{5074-a girl} had understood and pitied had been [Cain]_137-cain . At that moment , through [the roadway that wound across [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows}]_{5097-the roadway that wound across the meadows} and through [the corn lands]_{5099-the corn lands} and the trees , there came in sight a gleam of scarlet that was not from the poppies , a flash of silver that was not from [the river]_{356-the river} , a column of smoke that was not from the weeds that burned on [the hillside]_{5101-the hillside} . There came a cloud , with a melodious murmur softly rising from it : a cloud that moved between the high flowering hedges , the tall amber wheat , the slender poplars , and [the fruitful orchards]_{5102-the fruitful orchards} ; a cloud that grew larger and clearer as it drew more near to [them]_5103-them , and left [the green water meadows]_{5104-the green water meadows} and winding field paths for [the great high road]_{5105-the great high road} . It was a procession of [the Church]_{331-the church} . It drew closer and closer by slow imperceptible degrees , until it approached [them]_5103-them ; [the old man]_{335-the old man} sat upright , not taking [his]_{335-the old man} cap from [his]_{335-the old man} head nor [his]_{335-the old man} pipe from [his]_{335-the old man} mouth ; [the young girl]_{5108-the young girl} cease to lean for rest against the tree , and stood with [her]_{5108-the young girl} arms crossed on [her]_{5108-the young girl} breast . [The Church]_{331-the church} passed [them]_5103-them ; the great gilt crucifix held aloft , the scarlet and the white of the robes catch‐ ing the sunlight ; the silver chains and silver censers gleaming ; the fresh young voices of [the singing children]_{5110-the singing children} cleaving the air like a rush of wind ; the dark shorn faces of [the priests]_{514-the priests} bowed over open books , the tender sound of the bells ringing across the low deep monotony of prayer . [The Church]_{331-the church} passed [them]_5103-them ; the dust of [the parched road]_{5113-the parched road} rose up in a choking mass ; the heavy mist of the incense hung darkly on the sunlit air ; the tramp of the many feet startled the birds from [their]_5103-them rest , and pierced through the noonday silence . [It]_5114-it passed [them]_5103-them , and left [them]_5103-them behind it ; but the fresh leaves were choked and whitened ; the birds were fluttered and affrightened ; [the old man]_{335-the old man} coughed , [the girl]_{5116-the girl} strove to brush the dust motes from [her]_{5116-the girl} smarting eyelids . “_[138-abel] That is [the Church]_{331-the church} ! ” said [the stone‐breaker]_{5117-the stone‐breaker} , with a smile . “_[1225-thou] Dust — terror — a choked voice — and blinded eyes . ” Now [she]_{5116-the girl} understood ; and [her]_{5116-the girl} beautiful curled lips laughed mutely . [The old man]_{335-the old man} rammed some more tobacco into the bowl of [his]_{335-the old man} pipe . “_[1225-thou] That is [the Church]_{331-the church} ! ” [he]_{335-the old man} said . “_[1225-thou] To burn incense and pray for rain , and to fell the forests that were [the rainmakers]_{1224-the rainmakers} . ” [The procession]_{5119-the procession} passed away out of sight , going along [the highway]_{5120-the highway} and winding by the course of [the river]_{356-the river} , calling to the bright blue heavens for rain ; whilst the little bells rang and the incense curled and [the priest]_{5122-the priest} prayed [themselves]_{5122-the priest} hoarse , and [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} toiled footsore , and the eager steps of [the choral children]_{5124-the choral children} trod the tiny gnat dead in the grasses and [the bright butterfly dead in the dust]_{5125-the bright butterfly dead in the dust} . [The priests]_{514-the priests} had cast a severer look from out [their]_{514-the priests} down‐dropped eyelids ; [the children]_{452-the children} had huddled together , with [their]_{452-the children} voices faltering a little ; and [the boy choristers]_{5128-the boy choristers} had shot out [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} lips in gestures of defiance and opprobrium as [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} had passed these twain beneath the wayside trees . For [the two]_{5129-the two} were [both outcasts]_{5130-both outcasts} . “_{[1224-the rainmakers]} Didst [thou]_1225-thou see [the man that killed [the king]_{1227-the king}]_{1226-the man that killed the king} ? ” whispered to [another one fair and curly‐headed baby]_{5131-another one fair and curly‐headed baby} , who was holding in the sun [her]_{5131-another one fair and curly‐headed baby} little , white , silver‐fringed banner , and catching the rise and fall of [the sonorous chaunt]_{5132-the sonorous chaunt} as well as [she]_{5131-another one fair and curly‐headed baby} could with [her]_{5131-another one fair and curly‐headed baby} little , lisping tones . “_[1225-thou] Didst [thou]_1225-thou see [the daughter of the devil]_{1228-the daughter of the devil} ? ” muttered to [another [a handsome golden brown boy , who had left [his]_{5133-another a handsome golden brown boy , who had left his herd untended in the meadow to don his scarlet robes and swing about the censer of his village chapel} herd untended in [the meadow]_{5135-the meadow}]_{5134-a handsome golden brown boy , who had left his herd untended in the meadow} to don [his]_{5133-another a handsome golden brown boy , who had left his herd untended in the meadow to don his scarlet robes and swing about the censer of his village chapel} scarlet robes and swing about the censer of [[his]_{5133-another a handsome golden brown boy , who had left his herd untended in the meadow to don his scarlet robes and swing about the censer of his village chapel} village chapel]_{5136-his village chapel}]_{5133-another a handsome golden brown boy , who had left his herd untended in the meadow to don his scarlet robes and swing about the censer of his village chapel} . And [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} all sang louder , and tossed more incense on high , and marched more closely together under the rays of the gleaming crucifix as [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} went ; feeling that [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} had been beneath the shadow of the powers of darkness , and that [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} were purer and holier and more exalted , because [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} had thus passed by in scorn what was accursed with psalms on [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} lips , with the cross as [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} symbol . So [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} went [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} way through [the peaceful country]_{5137-the peaceful country} with a glory of sunbeams about [them]_{5128-the boy choristers} — through the corn , past [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} , by [the river]_{356-the river} , into [the heart of [the old brown , quiet town]_{5141-the old brown , quiet town}]_{5140-the heart of the old brown , quiet town} , and about the foot of [the great cathedral]_{5142-the great cathedral} , where [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} kneeled down int [he]_5143-he dust and prayed , then rose and sang the “_[1225-thou] Angelus . ” Then , [the tall dark‐visaged priest , who had led [them]_{5128-the boy choristers} all thither under the standard of the golden crucifix]_{5144-the tall dark‐visaged priest , who had led them all thither under the standard of the golden crucifix} , lifted [his]_{5144-the tall dark‐visaged priest , who had led them all thither under the standard of the golden crucifix} voice alone and implored [God]_118-god , and exhorted [man]_4882-man ; implored for rain and all the blessings of harvest , exhorted to patience and the imitation of [God]_118-god . [The people]_{4948-the people} were moved and saddened , and listened , smiting [their]_{4948-the people} breasts ; and after a while rising from [their]_{4948-the people} knees , many of [them]_{4948-the people} in tears , dispersed and went [their]_{4948-the people} ways , muttering to [one another:—“We_[1225-thou] have had no such harvests as those of old]_{5147-one another:—“we have had no such harvests as those of old} since [the men that slew [a saint]_{4870-a saint}]_{1229-the men that slew a saint} came to dwell here ; ” and answering to [one another:—“We]_{5148-one another:—“we[1225-thou]} had never such droughts as these in the sweet cool weather of old , before [the offspring of hell]_{1231-the offspring of hell} was amongst [us]_1232-us . ” For [the priests]_{514-the priests} had not said to [them]_{4948-the people} , “_[114-lo] [Lo]_114-lo ! [your]_114-lo mercy is parched as [the earth]_{288-the earth} , and [your]_114-lo hearts as the heavens are brazen . ” IN the days of [his]_{4870-a saint} youngest youth , in the old drunken days that were dead , this old stone‐breaker [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} had known such life as it is given to [few men]_{5150-few men} to know — a life of the soul and the senses ; a life of storm and delight ; a life mad with blood and wine ; a life of divinest dreams ; a life when [women]_365-women kissed [them]_{4948-the people} , and bade [them]_{4948-the people} slay ; a life when [mothers]_5152-mothers blessed [them]_{4948-the people} and bade [them]_{4948-the people} die ; a life , strong , awful , splendid , unutterable ; a life seized at its fullest and fiercest and fairest , out of an air that was death , off [an earth that was hell]_{5153-an earth that was hell} . When [his]_{4870-a saint} cheeks had had [a boy]_{5154-a boy} ’s bloom and [his]_{4870-a saint} curls [a boy]_{5154-a boy} ’s gold [he]_{4870-a saint} had seen a nation in delirium ; [he]_{4870-a saint} had been one of [the elect of [a people]_{5157-a people}]_{5156-the elect of a people} ; [he]_{4870-a saint} had uttered the words that burn , and wrought the acts that live ; [he]_{4870-a saint} had been of [the Thousand of [Marsala]_25-marsala]_{5158-the thousand of marsala} ; and [he]_{4870-a saint} had been of the avengers in [Thermidor]_26-thermidor : [he]_{4870-a saint} had raised [his]_{4870-a saint} flute‐like voice from the tribune , and [he]_{4870-a saint} had cast in [his]_{4870-a saint} vote for the death of [a king]_{5063-a king} ; passions had been [his]_{4870-a saint} playthings , and [he]_{4870-a saint} had toyed with life as [a child]_{657-a child} with a match ; [he]_{4870-a saint} had beheld [the despised enthroned in power , and desolation left within [[kings]_5162-kings ’ palaces]_{5163-kings ’ palaces}]_{5161-the despised enthroned in power , and desolation left within kings ’ palaces} ; [he]_{4870-a saint} too had been fierce , and glad , and cruel , and gay , and drunken , and proud , as [the whole land]_{5164-the whole land} was ; [he]_{4870-a saint} had seen the white beauty of [the royal women]_{5165-the royal women} bare in the hands of [the mob]_{5166-the mob} , and the throats that [princes]_5167-princes had caressed kissed by the broad steel knife ; [he]_{4870-a saint} had had [his]_{4870-a saint} youth in a wondrous time , when [all men]_{5168-all men} had been [gods]_5169-gods or [devils]_1219-devils , and [all women]_{5171-all women} martyrs or furies . And now,—he broke stones to get daily bread , and [those who passed [him]_{4870-a saint} by]_{5172-those who passed him by} cursed [him]_{4870-a saint} , saying : “_{[1234-this man]} [This man]_{1234-this man} slew [a king]_{5063-a king} . ” For [he]_{4870-a saint} had outlived [his]_{4870-a saint} time , and the life that had been golden and red at its dawn was now grey and pale as the ashes of a fire grown cold ; for in all the list of [the world]_{268-the world} ’s weary errors there is no mistake so deadly as age . Years before , in such hot summer weather as this , against which [the Church]_{331-the church} had prayed , [the old man]_{335-the old man} , going homewards to [[his]_{335-the old man} little cabin amidst [the fields]_{316-the fields}]_{5176-his little cabin amidst the fields} , had met [a little child]_{607-a little child} coming straight towards [him]_{335-the old man} in the full crimson glow of the setting sun , and with the flame of the poppies all around [her]_{607-a little child} . [He]_{335-the old man} hardly knew why [he]_{335-the old man} looked at [her]_{607-a little child} , but when [he]_{335-the old man} had once looked [his]_{335-the old man} eyes rested there . [She]_{607-a little child} had the hues of [his]_{335-the old man} youth about [her]_{607-a little child} ; in that blood‐red light , amongst the blood‐red flowers , [she]_{607-a little child} made [him]_{335-the old man} think of [women]_365-women ’s forms that [he]_{335-the old man} had seen in all [their]_365-women grace and [their]_365-women voluptuous loveliness clothed in the red garment of death , and standing on the dusky red of the scaffold as the burning mornings of the summers of slaughter had risen over [the land]_{4984-the land} . [The child]_{272-the child} was all alone before [him]_{335-the old man} in that intense glow as of fire ; above [her]_{607-a little child} there was a tawny sky , flushed here and there with purple ; around [her]_{607-a little child} stretched the solitary level of [the fields]_{316-the fields} burnt yellow as gold by the long mouths of heat . There were stripes on [her]_{607-a little child} shoulders blue and black from the marks of a thong . [He]_{335-the old man} looked at [her]_{607-a little child} , and stopped [her]_{607-a little child} , why [he]_{335-the old man} hardly knew , except that a look about [her]_{607-a little child} , beaten but yet unsubdued , attracted [him]_{335-the old man} . [He]_{335-the old man} had seen the look of [yore]_5183-yore in the years of [his]_{335-the old man} youth , on the faces of [the nobles [he]_{335-the old man} hated]_{5184-the nobles he hated} . “_{[1234-this man]} Have [you]_1236-you been hurt ? ” [he]_{335-the old man} asked [her]_{607-a little child} in [his]_{335-the old man} harsh , strong voice . [She]_{607-a little child} put [her]_{607-a little child} heavy load of faggots down and stared at [him]_{335-the old man} . “_[1236-you] Hurt ? ” [She]_{607-a little child} echoed the word stupidly . [No one]_{264-no one} ever thought [she]_{607-a little child} could be hurt ; what was done to [her]_{607-a little child} was punishment and justice . “_{[1234-this man]} Yes . Those stripes — they must be painful ? ” [She]_{607-a little child} gave a gesture of assent with [her]_{607-a little child} head , but [she]_{607-a little child} did not answer . “_{[117-reine flamma]} Who beat [you]_1236-you ? ” [he]_{335-the old man} pursued . A cloud of passion swept over [her]_{607-a little child} beat face . “_{[117-reine flamma]} [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . ” “_{[117-reine flamma]} [You]_1236-you were wicked ? ” “_[1237-they] [They]_1237-they said so . ” “_[1237-they] And what do [you]_1236-you do when [you]_1236-you are beaten ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her shut [my]_0-her mouth . ” “_[0-her] For what ? ” “_[0-her] For fear [they]_1237-they should know it hurt [me]_0-her — and be glad . ” [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} leaned on [his]_{335-the old man} elm stick , and fastened on [her]_{607-a little child} [his]_{335-the old man} keen passionless eyes with a look which , for [him]_{335-the old man} who shunned and was shunned by [all [his]_{335-the old man} kind]_{5186-all his kind} , was almost sympathy . “_[0-her] Come to [[my]_0-her hut]_{1238-my hut} , ” [he]_{335-the old man} said to [her]_{607-a little child} . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her know a herb that will take the fret and the ache out of [your]_1236-you bruises . ” [The child]_{272-the child} followed [him]_{335-the old man} passively , half stupidly ; [he]_{335-the old man} was the first creature that had ever bidden [her]_{607-a little child} go with [him]_{335-the old man} , and this rough pity of [his]_{335-the old man} was sweet to [her]_{607-a little child} , with an amazing incredible balm in it which [only those]_{5188-only those} can know who see raised against [them]_{5188-only those} [every man]_{5189-every man} ’s hand , and hear on [their]_{5188-only those} ears the mockery of all the voices of [their]_{5188-only those} world . Under reviling , and contempt , and constant rejection , [she]_{607-a little child} had become savage as a trapped hawk , wild as an escaped panther ; but to [him]_{335-the old man} [she]_{607-a little child} was obedient and passive , because [he]_{335-the old man} had spoken to [her]_{607-a little child} without a taunt and without a curse , which until now had been the sole two forms of human speech that [she]_{607-a little child} had heard . [[His]_{335-the old man} little hut]_{5190-his little hut} was in the midst of [those spreading cornfields]_{5191-those spreading cornfields} , set where two pathways crossed each other , and stretched down [the gentle slope of [the cultured lands]_{5193-the cultured lands}]_{5192-the gentle slope of the cultured lands} to join [the great highway]_{5194-the great highway} — [a hut of stones and plaited rushes , with of roof of thatch , where [the old republican , hardy of frame and born of a toiling race]_{5196-the old republican , hardy of frame and born of a toiling race} , dwelt in solitude , and broke [his]_{335-the old man} scanty bitter bread without lament , if without content]_{5195-a hut of stones and plaited rushes , with of roof of thatch , where the old republican , hardy of frame and born of a toiling race , dwelt in solitude , and broke his scanty bitter bread without lament , if without content} . [He]_{335-the old man} took some leaves of a simple herb that [he]_{335-the old man} knew , soaked them with water , and bound them on [her]_{607-a little child} shoulders , not ungently , though [his]_{335-the old man} hand was so rough with labour , and , as [men]_364-men said , had been so often red with carnage . Then [he]_{335-the old man} gave [her]_{607-a little child} a draught of goat ’s milk , sweet and fresh , from a wooden bowl ; shared with [her]_{607-a little child} the dry black crusts that formed [his]_{335-the old man} only evening meal ; bestowed on [her]_{607-a little child} a gift of a rare old scarlet scarf of woven wools and eastern broideries , one of the few relics of [his]_{335-the old man} buried life ; lifted the faggots on [her]_{607-a little child} back , so that [she]_{607-a little child} could carry them with greater ease ; and set [her]_{607-a little child} on [her]_{607-a little child} homeward way . “_[0-her] Come to [me]_0-her again , ” [he]_{335-the old man} said , briefly , as [she]_{607-a little child} went across the threshold . [The child]_{272-the child} bent [her]_{272-the child} head in silence , and kissed [his]_{335-the old man} hand quickly and timidly , like [a grateful dog that is amazed to have a caress , and not a blow]_{5199-a grateful dog that is amazed to have a caress , and not a blow} . “_[0-her] After a forty years ’ vow [I]_0-her have broken it ; [I]_0-her have pitied a human thing , ” [the old man]_{335-the old man} muttered as [he]_{335-the old man} stood in [his]_{335-the old man} doorway looking after [her]_{272-the child} shadow as it passed small and dark across the scarlet light of the poppies . “_[0-her] [They]_1239-they call [him]_1240-him vile , and [they]_1239-they say that [he]_1240-him slew [men]_364-men , ” thought [the child]_{272-the child} , who had long known [his]_{335-the old man} face , though [he]_{335-the old man} had never noted [hers]_{272-the child} ; and it seemed to [her]_{272-the child} that all mercy lay in [[her]_{272-the child} father]_{389-her father} ’s kingdom — which [they]_1239-they called [the kingdom of evil]_{5203-the kingdom of evil} . The cool moist herbs slaked the heat of [her]_{272-the child} bruises ; and the draught of milk had slaked the thirst of [her]_{272-the child} throat . “_[1239-they] Is evil good ? ” [she]_{272-the child} asked in [her]_{272-the child} heart as [she]_{272-the child} went through the tall red poppies . And from that evening thenceforward [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} and [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} cleaved to one another , being outcasts from all others . AS the religious gathering broke up and split in divers streams to divers ways , [the little town]_{1158-the little town} returned to its accustomed stillness — a stillness that seemed to have in it the calm of a thousand sleeping years , and the legends and the dreams of half a score of old dead centuries . On market‐days and saint‐days , days of high feast or of perpetual chaffering , [the town]_{482-the town} was full of colour , movement , noise , and population . [The country people]_{5206-the country people} crowded in , filling [it]_{482-the town} with the jingling of mule‐bells ; [the fisher people]_{5207-the fisher people} came , bringing with [them]_{5207-the fisher people} the crisp salt smell of [the sea]_{405-the sea} and the blue of [the sea]_{405-the sea} on [their]_{5207-the fisher people} garments ; [[its]_{482-the town} own [tanners]_747-tanners]_{5210-its own tanners} and [ivory carvers]_{5212-ivory carvers} , and [fruiterers]_{5213-fruiterers} , and [lacemakers]_{5214-lacemakers} turned out by the hundred in all the quaint variety of costumes which [[their]_{5207-the fisher people} forefathers]_{743-their forefathers} had bequeathed to [them]_{5207-the fisher people} , and to which [they]_{5207-the fisher people} were still wise enough to adhere . But at other times when [the fishers]_{5216-the fishers} were in [[their]_{5216-the fishers} hamlets]_{5217-their hamlets} , and [the peasantry]_{5218-the peasantry} on [[their]_{5216-the fishers} lands]_{5219-their lands} and in [[their]_{5216-the fishers} orchards]_{5220-their orchards} , and [the townsfolk]_{702-the townsfolk} at [their]_{702-the townsfolk} labours in [the old renaissance mansions]_{5222-the old renaissance mansions} , which [they]_{5207-the fisher people} had turned into [tanneries]_{5223-tanneries} , and [granaries]_{5224-granaries} , and [wool‐sheds]_{5225-wool‐sheds} , and [workshops]_{5226-workshops} , [the place]_{342-the place} was profoundly still ; scarcely [a child]_{657-a child} at play in [the streets]_{5229-the streets} , scarcely a dog asleep in the sun . When [the crowds]_{5230-the crowds} had gone [the priests]_{514-the priests} laid aside [their]_{514-the priests} vestments , and donned the black serge of [their]_{514-the priests} daily habit , and went to [their]_{514-the priests} daily avocations in [[their]_{514-the priests} humble dwellings]_{5232-their humble dwellings} . The crosses and the censers were put back upon [their]_{514-the priests} altars , and hung up upon [their]_{514-the priests} pillars . [The boy choristers]_{5128-the boy choristers} and [the little children]_{442-the little children} put [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} white linen and [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} scarlet robes back in cupboards and presses , with heads of lavender and sprigs of rosemary to keep the moth and the devil away , and went to [[their]_{5128-the boy choristers} fields]_{5235-their fields} , to [[their]_{5128-the boy choristers} homes]_{5236-their homes} , to [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} herds , to [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} paper kites , to [their]_{5128-the boy choristers} daisy chains , to the poor rabbits [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} pent in [a hutch]_{5237-a hutch} , to the poor flies [they]_{5128-the boy choristers} killed in the sun . [The town]_{482-the town} became quite still , [the market place]_{5239-the market place} quite empty ; the drowsy silence of a burning , cloudless afternoon was over all the quiet places about [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} walls , where of [old the bishops]_{5241-old the bishops} and [the canons]_{5242-the canons} dwelt ; [grey shady courts]_{5243-grey shady courts} ; [dim open cloisters]_{5244-dim open cloisters} ; [houses covered with oaken carvings]_{5245-houses covered with oaken carvings} , and shadowed with the spreading branches of chestnuts and of lime‐trees that were as aged as [themselves]_{5128-the boy choristers} . Under the shelter of one of [the lindens]_{5246-the lindens} , after [the populace]_{5247-the populace} had gone , there was seated on a broad stone bench [the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} had moved before [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} . [She]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} had flung [herself]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} down in dreamy restfulness . [She]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} had delivered [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} burden of vegetables and fruit at [a shop near by]_{5249-a shop near by} , whose awning stretched out into [the street]_{5250-the street} like a toadstool yellow with the sun . The heat was intense ; [she]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} had been on foot all day ; [she]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} sat to rest a moment , and put [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} burning hands under a little rill of water that spouted into a basin in a niche in the wall . [An ancient well , with a stone image of the Madonna sculptured above , and a wreath of vine‐leaves in stone running around , in the lavish ornamentation of an age when [men]_364-men loved loveliness for its own sake , and begrudged neither time nor labour in its service]_{5251-an ancient well , with a stone image of the madonna sculptured above , and a wreath of vine‐leaves in stone running around , in the lavish ornamentation of an age when men loved loveliness for its own sake , and begrudged neither time nor labour in its service} . [She]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} leaned over the fountain , kept so cool by the roofing of the thick green leaves ; there was a metal cup attached to the basin by a chain , and [she]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} filled it at the running thread of water , and stooped [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} lips to it again and again thirstily . The day was sultry ; the ways were long and white with powdered limestone ; [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} throat was still parched with the dust raised by the many feet of [the multitude]_{453-the multitude} ; and although [she]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} had borne in the great basket which now stood empty at [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} side , cherries , peaches , mulberries , melons , full of juice and lusciousness , [this daughter of the devil]_{5254-this daughter of the devil} had not taken even one to freshen [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} dry mouth . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} stooped to the water and played with it , and drank it , and steeped [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} lips and [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} arms in it ; lying there on the stone bench , with [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} bare feet curled one in another , and [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} slender round limbs full of the voluptuous repose of a resting panther . The coolness , the murmur , the clearness , the peace , the soft flowing movement of water , possess an ineffable charm for natures that are passion‐tossed , feverish , and full of storm . There was a dreary peace about [the place]_{342-the place} , too , which had charms likewise for [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} ; in the dusky arch of the long cloisters , in the grey lichen‐grown walls , in [the broad pamments of [the paven court]_{5257-the paven court}]_{5256-the broad pamments of the paven court} , in the clusters of strange delicate carving beneath and below ; in the sculptured friezes where little nests that the birds had made in the spring still rested , and in the dense brooding thickness of the boughs which brought the sweetness and the shadows of [the woods]_{344-the woods} into [the heart of [the peopled town]_{5260-the peopled town}]_{5259-the heart of the peopled town} . [She]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} stayed [there]_439-there , loath to move ; loath to return where a jeer , a bruise , a lifted stick , a muttered curse , were all [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} greeting and [her]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} guerdon . As [she]_{5248-the girl who had stood by the wayside erect and unbending as the procession} lay thus , one of the doors in [the old houses]_{5262-the old houses} in [the cloisters]_{5263-the cloisters} opened ; the head of [an old woman]_{5264-an old woman} was thrust out , crowned with the high fan‐shaped comb , and the towering white linen cap , that are the female note of [that especial town]_{5265-that especial town} . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} wa [the mother of [the sacristan]_{5268-the sacristan}]_{5267-the mother of the sacristan} , and [she]_{334-the old woman} , looking out , shrieked shrilly to [[her]_{334-the old woman} son]_{986-her son} : “_{[140-georges]} [Georges]_140-georges , [Georges]_140-georges ! come hither . [[The devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s daughter]_{1243-the devil ’s daughter} is drinking the blest water ! ” [The sacristan]_{5268-the sacristan} was hoeing amongst [his]_{5268-the sacristan} cabbages in [the garden behind [[his]_{5268-the sacristan} house]_{5272-his house}]_{5271-the garden behind his house} , surrounded with clipt yew , and damp from the deep shade of [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} , that overshadowed [it]_{315-the cathedral} . [He]_{5268-the sacristan} ran out at [[his]_{5268-the sacristan} mother]_{4997-his mother} ’s call , hoe in hand , [himself]_{5268-the sacristan} [an old man]_{1169-an old man} , though stout and strong . The well in the wall was [his]_{5268-the sacristan} especial charge and pride ; immeasurable sanctity attached to it . According to tradition , the water had spouted from the stone itself , at the touch of a branch of blossoming pear , held in the hand of [St. Jerome]_{141-st. jerome} , who had returned to [earth]_5276-earth [in the middle of the fourteenth century]_{5277-in the middle of the fourteenth century} , and dwelt for a while near [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} , working at the honourable trade of [a cordwainer]_{5279-a cordwainer} , and accomplishing mighty miracles throughout [the district]_{295-the district} . It was said that some of [his]_{141-st. jerome} miraculous power still remained in the fountain , and that even yet , [those who drank on St. Jerome]_{5281-those who drank on st. jerome} ’s day , in full faith and with believing hearts , were , oftentimes , cleansed of sin , and purified of bodily diseases . Wherefore on that day , [throngs of [peasantry]_{5283-peasantry}]_{5282-throngs of peasantry} flocked in from all sides , and crowded round it , and drank ; to the benefit of [the sacristan in charge]_{5284-the sacristan in charge} , if not to that of [their]_{5282-throngs of peasantry} souls and bodies . Summoned by [[his]_{5268-the sacristan} mother]_{4997-his mother} , [he]_{5268-the sacristan} flew to the rescue of [the sanctified spring]_{5286-the sanctified spring} . “_{[4853-the devil]} Get [you]_1244-you gone ! ” [he]_{5268-the sacristan} shouted . “_{[4853-the devil]} Get [you]_1244-you gone , [[you]_1244-you child of hell]_{1245-you child of hell} ! How durst [you]_1244-you touch [the blessed basin]_{1246-the blessed basin} ? Do [you]_1244-you think that [God]_118-god struck water from the stone for such as [you]_1244-you ? ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} lifted [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head and looked [him]_{5268-the sacristan} in the face with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} audacious eyes , and laughed ; then tossed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head again , and plunged it into the bright living water , till [her]_{104-folle‐farine} lips , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} cheeks , and all the rippling hair about [her]_{104-folle‐farine} temples sparkled with its silvery drops . [The sacristan]_{5268-the sacristan} , infuriated at once by the impiety and the defiance , shrieked aloud . “_[118-god] [Insolent animal]_{1247-insolent animal} ! [Daughter of Satan]_{1248-daughter of satan} ! [I]_0-her will teach [you]_1244-you to taint the gift of [a saint with the lips of the devil]_{1249-a saint with the lips of the devil} ! ” And [he]_{5268-the sacristan} seized [her]_{104-folle‐farine} roughly with one hand upon [her]_{104-folle‐farine} shoulder , and with the other raised the hoe and brandished the wooden staff of it above [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head in threat to strike [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; whilst [[his]_{5268-the sacristan} old mother]_{5288-his old mother} , still thrusting [her]_{104-folle‐farine} lofty head‐gear and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} wrinkled face from out of the door , screamed to [him]_{5268-the sacristan} to show [he]_{5268-the sacristan} was [a man]_{4875-a man} , and have no mercy . As [his]_{5268-the sacristan} grasp touched [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and the staff cast its shadow across [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} sprang up , defiance and fury breathing from all [her]_{104-folle‐farine} beautiful fierce face . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} seized the staff in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} right hand , wrenched it with a swift movement from [his]_{5268-the sacristan} hold , and catching [his]_{5268-the sacristan} head under [her]_{104-folle‐farine} left arm , rained blows on [him]_{5268-the sacristan} from [his]_{5268-the sacristan} own weapon with a sudden gust of breathless rage which blinded [him]_{5268-the sacristan} , and lent to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} slender muscular limbs , the strength and force of [man]_4882-man . Then , as rapidly as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had seized and struck [him]_{5268-the sacristan} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} flung [him]_{5268-the sacristan} from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with such violence that [he]_{5268-the sacristan} fell prostrate on [the pavement of [the court]_{5292-the court}]_{5291-the pavement of the court} ; caught up the metal pail which stood by ready filled , dashed the water over [him]_{5268-the sacristan} where [he]_{5268-the sacristan} lay , and turning from [him]_{5268-the sacristan} without a word , walked across [the courtyard]_{5293-the courtyard} slowly , and with a haughty grace in all the carriage of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bare limbs , and the folds of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ragged garments ; bearing the empty osier‐basket on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , deaf as the stones around to the screams of [the sacristan]_{5268-the sacristan} and [[his]_{5268-the sacristan} mother]_{4997-his mother} . In [these secluded cloisters]_{5296-these secluded cloisters} , and in the high noontide , when [all]_424-all were sleeping or eating in the cool shelter of [[their]_424-all darkened houses]_{5298-their darkened houses} , [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} ’s voice remained unheard . [The saints]_{329-the saints} heard , no doubt , but [they]_{329-the saints} were too lazy to stir from [their]_{329-the saints} niches in that sultry noontide ; except the baying of a chained dog aroused , there was no answer to the outcry , and [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} passed out into [the market place]_{5239-the market place} unarrested , and not meeting [another living creature]_{5302-another living creature} . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} turned into [one of the squares that led to [the open country]_{5304-the open country}]_{5303-one of the squares that led to the open country} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw in the distance [one of [the guardians of the peace of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{5306-the guardians of the peace of the town}]_{5305-one of the guardians of the peace of the town} moving quickly towards [the cloisters]_{5263-the cloisters} , with [his]_{5305-one of the guardians of the peace of the town} glittering lace shining in the sun , and [his]_{5305-one of the guardians of the peace of the town} long scabbard clattering upon the stones . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} laughed a little as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw . “_[1250-they] [They]_1250-they will not come after [me]_0-her , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said to [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} . “_[1250-they] [Thy]_1250-they are too afraid of the devil . ” [She]_{104-folle‐farine} judged rightly ; [they]_1250-they did not come . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} crossed [the wide scorching square]_{5309-the wide scorching square} , whose white stones blazed in the glare of the sun . There was nothing in sight except a stray cat prowling in a corner , and three sparrows quarrelling over a foul‐smelling heap of refuse . [The quaint old houses]_{5310-the quaint old houses} round seemed all asleep , with the shutters closed like tired eyelids over [their]_{5310-the quaint old houses} little dim , aged , orbs of windows . The gilded vanes on [their]_{5310-the quaint old houses} twisted chimneys , and carved parapets , pointed motionless to the warm south . There was not a sound except for the cawing of some rooks , who built [their]_5311-their nests high aloft in the fretted pinnacles of [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} . Undisturbed [she]_{104-folle‐farine} crossed [the square]_{5313-the square} , and took [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way down [the crooked street]_{5314-the crooked street} that led [her]_{104-folle‐farine} homeward to [the outlying country]_{5315-the outlying country} . [It]_{5315-the outlying country} was [an old , twisting , dusky place]_{5316-an old , twisting , dusky place} , with the water flowing through [its]_{5315-the outlying country} centre as [its]_{5315-the outlying country} only roadway ; and in there were [the oldest houses of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{5317-the oldest houses of the town} , all of timber , black with age , and carved with the wonderful florid fantasies and grotesque conceits of the years when [a house]_{5319-a house} was to [[its]_{5319-a house} master]_{5320-its master} a thing beloved and beautiful , a bulwark , an altar , a heritage , an heirloom to be dwelt in all the days of a long life , and bequeathed in all honour and honesty to [a noble offspring]_{5321-a noble offspring} . [The street]_{5250-the street} was very silent , the ripple of the water was the chief sound that filled [it]_{5250-the street} . [[Its]_{5315-the outlying country} tenants]_{5323-its tenants} were very poor , in many of [[its]_{5315-the outlying country} antique mansions]_{5324-its antique mansions} [the beggars]_{5325-the beggars} shared shelter with the rats and the owls . In [one of [these dwellings]_{5327-these dwellings}]_{5326-one of these dwellings} , however , there were still some warmth and colour . The orange and scarlet flowers of a nasturtium curled up [its]_{5315-the outlying country} twisted pilasters ; the big , fair clusters of hydrangea filled up [its]_{5315-the outlying country} narrow casements ; a breadth of many‐coloured saxifrage , with leaves of green and rose , and blossoms of purple and white , hung over the balcony rail , which five centuries earlier had been draped with cloth of gold ; and a little yellow song bird made music in the empty niche from which the sculptured flower‐de‐luce had been so long torn down . From the window [a woman]_{4876-a woman} looked , leaning with folded arms above the rose‐tipped saxifrage , and beneath the green‐leaved vine . [She]_{4876-a woman} was [a fair woman]_{5329-a fair woman} , white as the lilies , and [she]_{4876-a woman} had silver pins in [her]_{4876-a woman} amber hair , and a mouth that laughed sweetly . [She]_{4876-a woman} called to [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , “_[1251-you] [You]_1251-you brown thing ; why do [you]_1251-you stare at [me]_0-her ? ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} started and withdrew the fixed gaze of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} lustrous eyes . “_[1251-you] Because [you]_1251-you are beautiful , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} answered curtly . All beautiful things head a fascination for [her]_{4876-a woman} . [This woman above]_{5330-this woman above} was very fair to see , and [she]_{4876-a woman} looked at [her]_{4876-a woman} as [she]_{4876-a woman} looked at the purple butterflies in the sun ; at the stars shining down through the leaves ; at the vast , dim , gorgeous figures in the cathedral windows ; at [the happy children running to [[their]_{5331-the happy children running to their mothers with their hands full of primroses , as she saw them in the woods at spring‐time} mothers]_{901-their mothers} with [their]_{5331-the happy children running to their mothers with their hands full of primroses , as she saw them in the woods at spring‐time} hands full of primroses , as [she]_{4876-a woman} saw [them]_{5331-the happy children running to their mothers with their hands full of primroses , as she saw them in the woods at spring‐time} in [the woods]_{344-the woods} at spring‐time]_{5331-the happy children running to their mothers with their hands full of primroses , as she saw them in the woods at spring‐time} ; at the laughing groups round the wood‐fires in the new year time when [she]_{4876-a woman} passed a lattice pane that the snow‐drift had not blocked ; at all the things that were so often in [her]_{4876-a woman} sight , and yet with which [her]_{4876-a woman} life had no part or likeness . [She]_{4876-a woman} stood there on the rough flints , in the darkness cast from the jutting beams of [the house]_{323-the house} ; and [the other happier creature]_{5335-the other happier creature} leaned above there in the light , white and rose‐hued , and with the silver bells of the pins shaking in [her]_{5335-the other happier creature} yellow tresses . “_[1251-you] [You]_1252-you are [[old Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} ’s grand‐daughter]_{1253-old flamma ’s grand‐daughter} , ” cried the other from [her]_{5335-the other happier creature} leafy nest above . “_[1252-you] [You]_1252-you work for [him]_1254-he all day long at [the mill]_{281-the mill} ? ” “_[1252-you] Yes . ” “_[1252-you] And [your]_1252-you feet are bare , and [your]_1252-you clothes are rags , and [you]_1252-you go to and fro like a packhorse , and [the people]_{4948-the people} hate [you]_1252-you ? [You]_1252-you must be [a fool]_{4935-a fool} . [[Your]_1252-you father]_{1258-your father} was the devil , [they]_{4948-the people} say ; why do [you]_1252-you not make [him]_{1258-your father} give [you]_1252-you good things ? ” “_[1254-he] [He]_1254-he will not hear , ” [the child]_{272-the child} muttered wearily ; had [she]_1252-you not besought [him]_1254-he endlessly with breathless prayers ? “_[1254-he] Will [he]_1254-he not ? Wait a year — wait a year . ” “_{[4948-the people]} What then ? ” asked [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , with a quick startled breath . “_{[4948-the people]} In a year [you]_1252-you will be [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , and [he]_1254-he always hears [women]_365-women , [they]_{4948-the people} say . ” “_{[4948-the people]} [He]_1254-he hears [you]_1252-you ? ” [The fair woman above]_{5337-the fair woman above} laughed : “_[1252-you] Perhaps ; in [his]_1254-he fashion . But [he]_1254-he pays [me]_0-her ill as yet , ” and [she]_0-her plucked one of the silver pins from [her]_0-her hair , and stabbed the rosy foam of the saxifrage through and through with it ; for [she]_0-her was but [[a gardener]_{5338-a gardener} ’s wife]_{5339-a gardener ’s wife} , and was restless and full of discontent . “_[1254-he] Get [you]_1252-you gone , ” [she]_0-her added quickly , “_[1254-he] or [I]_0-her will thrown a stone at [you]_1252-you , [[you]_1252-you witch]_{1261-you witch} ; [you]_1252-you have the evil eye , [they]_{4948-the people} say , and [you]_1252-you may strike [me]_0-her blind if [you]_1252-you stare so . ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} went on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way over the sharp stones with a heavy heart . That picture in the casement head had made that passage bright to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} many a time ; and when at last that picture had moved and spoken , it had only mocked [her]_{104-folle‐farine} and reviled [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as the rest did . [The street]_{5250-the street} was dark for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} like all the others now . [[The gardener]_{5341-the gardener} ’s wife]_{5342-the gardener ’s wife} , leaning there , with the green and gold of the vineleaves brushing [her]_{5342-the gardener ’s wife} hair , looked after [her]_{104-folle‐farine} down the crooked way . “_[1252-you] [That young wretch]_{1262-that young wretch} will be more beautiful than [I]_0-her , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought ; and the thought was bitter to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , as such a one is to [a fair woman]_{5329-a fair woman} . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} went slowly and sadly through [the street]_{5250-the street} with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head dropped , and the large osier basket trailing behind [her]_{104-folle‐farine} over the stones . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was well used to be pelted with words hard as hailstones , and usually heeded them little , or gave them back with sullen , fierce defiance . But from [this woman]_{915-this woman} [they]_5346-they had wounded [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; for that bright bower of golden leaves and scarlet flowers [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had faintly fancied some stray beam of light might wander even to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was soon outside the gates of [the town]_{482-the town} , and beyond the old walls , where the bramble and the lichen grew over the huge stones of [ramparts and fortifications]_{5348-ramparts and fortifications} , useless and decayed from age . [The country roads]_{5349-the country roads} and [paths]_5350-paths , [the silver streams]_{5351-the silver streams} and [the wooden bridges]_{5352-the wooden bridges} , [the lanes through which [the market mules]_{5354-the market mules} picked [their]_{5354-the market mules} careful way]_{5353-the lanes through which the market mules picked their careful way} , [the fields in which [the white‐capped peasant women]_{5356-the white‐capped peasant women} and [the brindled oxen]_{5357-the brindled oxen} were at work]_{5355-the fields in which the white‐capped peasant women and the brindled oxen were at work} , stretched all before [her]_{104-folle‐farine} in a radiant air , sweet with the scent of ripening fruits from [many orchards]_{278-many orchards} . Here and there a wayside crucifix rose dark against the sun ; here and there a chapel bell sounded from under some little peaked red roof . The cattle dozed beside [meadow ditches that were choked with wild flowers]_{5359-meadow ditches that were choked with wild flowers} ; the dogs lay down beside [their]_5360-their sheep and slept . At [the first cottage which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} passed]_{5361-the first cottage which she passed} , [the housewife]_{5362-the housewife} sat out under a spreading chestnut tree , weaving lace upon [her]_{5362-the housewife} knee . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} looked wistfully at [the woman]_{633-the woman} , who was young and pretty , and who darted [her]_{633-the woman} swift skilled hand in and out around the bobbins , keeping time meanwhile with a mirthful burden that [she]_{633-the woman} sang . [The woman]_{633-the woman} looked up and frowned as [the girl]_{5116-the girl} passed by [her]_{633-the woman} . A little way farther on there was winehouse by the roadside , built of wood , vine‐wreathed , and half hidden in the tall flowering briars of [[its]_{5361-the first cottage which she passed} garden]_{5366-its garden} . Out of the lattice there was leaning [a maiden with the silver cross on [her]_{5367-a maiden with the silver cross on her bosom shining in the sun , and her meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of her white cap} bosom shining in the sun , and [her]_{5367-a maiden with the silver cross on her bosom shining in the sun , and her meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of her white cap} meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of [her]_{5367-a maiden with the silver cross on her bosom shining in the sun , and her meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of her white cap} white cap]_{5367-a maiden with the silver cross on her bosom shining in the sun , and her meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of her white cap} . [She]_{5367-a maiden with the silver cross on her bosom shining in the sun , and her meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of her white cap} was reaching a carnation to [a student who stood below , with long fair locks and ruddy cheeks , and a beard yellow with the amber down of twenty years]_{5368-a student who stood below , with long fair locks and ruddy cheeks , and a beard yellow with the amber down of twenty years} ; and who kissed [her]_{5367-a maiden with the silver cross on her bosom shining in the sun , and her meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of her white cap} white wrist as [he]_{5368-a student who stood below , with long fair locks and ruddy cheeks , and a beard yellow with the amber down of twenty years} caught the red flower . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} glanced at the pretty picture with a dull wonder and a nameless pain : what could it mean to be happy like that ? Half a league onward [she]_{5367-a maiden with the silver cross on her bosom shining in the sun , and her meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of her white cap} passed [another cottage shadowed by a sycamore‐tree]_{5369-another cottage shadowed by a sycamore‐tree} , and with the swallows whirling around [its]_{5361-the first cottage which she passed} tall twisted stone chimneys , and a beurré pear covering with branch and bloom [its]_{5361-the first cottage which she passed} old grey walls . [An aged woman]_{5370-an aged woman} sat sipping coffee in the sun , and [a young one]_{5371-a young one} was sweeping the blue and white tiles with a broom , singing gaily as [she]_{5367-a maiden with the silver cross on her bosom shining in the sun , and her meek blue eyes smiling down from under the tower of her white cap} swept . “_{[1262-that young wretch]} Art [thou]_1263-thou well placed , [[my]_0-her mother]_{1264-my mother} ? ” [she]_0-her asked , pausing to look tenderly at [the withered brown face , on which the shadows of the sycamore leaves were playing]_{5372-the withered brown face , on which the shadows of the sycamore leaves were playing} . [The old mother]_{5373-the old mother} smiled , steeping [her]_{5373-the old mother} bread in the coffee bowl . “_{[1264-my mother]} Surely , [child]_1265-child ; [I]_0-her can feel the sun and hear [you]_1265-child sing . ” [She]_0-her was happy though [she]_0-her was blind . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} stood a moment and looked at [them]_5374-they across a hedge of honeysuckle . “_[0-her] How odd it must be to have [anyone]_1266-anyone to care to hear [your]_1265-child voice like that ! ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way through the poppies and corn , half softened , half enraged . Was [she]_{104-folle‐farine} lower than [they]_5374-they because [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could find [no one]_{264-no one} to care for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} or take gladness in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life ? or was [she]_{104-folle‐farine} greater than [they]_5374-they because all human delights were to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as the dead letters of an unknown tongue ? Down a pathway fronting [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , which ran midway between the yellowing seas of wheat and a belt of lilac clover , and over which a swarm of bees was murmuring , there came [a country‐woman]_{5376-a country‐woman} , crushing the herbage under [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} heavy shoes , ragged , picturesque , sunbrowned , swinging deep brass pails as [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} went to [the herds on [the hillside]_{5101-the hillside}]_{5377-the herds on the hillside} . [She]_{5376-a country‐woman} carried [a child]_{657-a child} twisted into the folds of [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} dress ; [a boy]_{5154-a boy} , half asleep , with [his]_{5154-a boy} curly head against [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} breast . As [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} passed , [the woman]_{633-the woman} drew [her]_{633-the woman} kerchief over [her]_{633-the woman} bosom , and over the brown rosy face of [the child]_{272-the child} . “_[1267-she] [She]_1267-she shall not look at [thee]_1268-thee , [[my]_0-her darling]_{1269-my darling} , ” [she]_{633-the woman} muttered . “_[1267-she] [Her]_1267-she look withered [Rémy]_142-rémy ’s little limb . ” And [she]_{633-the woman} covered [the child]_{272-the child} jealously , and turned aside , so that [she]_{633-the woman} should tread a separate pathway through the clover , and needed not to brush the garments of the one [she]_{633-the woman} was compelled to pass . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} heard , and laughed aloud . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} knew of what [the woman]_{633-the woman} was thinking . In the summer of the previous year , as [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} had passed [the tanyard]_{5385-the tanyard} on [the western bank of the river]_{5386-the western bank of the river} , [[the tanner]_{5387-the tanner} ’s little son]_{5388-the tanner ’s little son} , rushing out in haste , had curled [his]_{5388-the tanner ’s little son} mouth in insult at [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} , and clapping [his]_{5388-the tanner ’s little son} hands , hissed in [a child]_{657-a child} ’s love of cruelty the mocking words which [he]_{5388-the tanner ’s little son} had heard [[his]_{5388-the tanner ’s little son} elders]_{5390-his elders} use of [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} . In answer , [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} had only turned [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} head and looked down at [him]_{5388-the tanner ’s little son} with calm eyes of scorn . But [the child , running out fast , and startled by that regard]_{5391-the child , running out fast , and startled by that regard} , had slipped upon a shred of leather and had fallen heavily , breaking [his]_{5388-the tanner ’s little son} left leg at the knee . The limb , unskilfully dealt with , and enfeebled by a tendency to disease , had never been restored , but hung limp , crooked , useless , withered from below the knee . Through all [the country side]_{5392-the country side} [the little cripple]_{5393-the little cripple} , [Rémy]_142-rémy , creeping out into the sun upon [his]_{5388-the tanner ’s little son} crutches , was pointed out in a passionate pity as the object of [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} sorcery , the victim of [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} vengeance . When [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} had heard what [they]_{5390-his elders} said [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} had laughed as [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} laughed now , drawing together [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} straight brows and showing [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} glistening teeth . All the momentary softness died in [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} now as [the peasant]_{5394-the peasant} covered [the boy]_{4995-the boy} ’s face and turned aside into the clover . [She]_{5376-a country‐woman} laughed aloud , and swept on through the half‐ripe corn with that swift , harmonious , majestic movement which was inborn in [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} , as it is inborn in the deer or the antelope ; singing again as [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} went those strange wild airs , like the sigh of the wind , which were all the language which lingered in [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} memory from [the land that had seen [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} birth]_{5396-the land that had seen her birth} . To such aversion as this [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} was too well used for it to be a matter of even notice to [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} . [She]_{5376-a country‐woman} knew that [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} was marked and shunned by [the community amidst which [her]_{5376-a country‐woman} lot]_{5397-the community amidst which her lot} was cast ; and [she]_{5376-a country‐woman} accepted proscription without wonder and without resistance . Folle‐Farine : the Dust . What lower thing did [earth]_5276-earth hold ? In [this old‐world district]_{5399-this old‐world district} , amidst [the pastures and cornlands of [Normandy]_109-normandy]_{5400-the pastures and cornlands of normandy} , superstition had taken a hold which the passage of centuries and the advent of revolution had done very little to lessen . [Few of [the people]_{4948-the people}]_{5401-few of the people} could read , and [fewer]_5403-fewer still could write . [They]_{4948-the people} knew nothing but what [[their]_{4948-the people} priests]_{5404-their priests} and [[their]_{4948-the people} politicians]_{5405-their politicians} told [them]_{4948-the people} to believe . [They]_{4948-the people} went to [their]_{4948-the people} beds with the poultry , and rose as [the cock crew]_{5406-the cock crew} : [they]_{4948-the people} went to mass , as [their]_{4948-the people} ducks to [the osier and weed ponds]_{5407-the osier and weed ponds} ; and to the conscription as [their]_{4948-the people} lambs to the slaughter . [They]_{4948-the people} understood that there was [a world beyond [them]_{4948-the people}]_{5408-a world beyond them} , but [they]_{4948-the people} remembered it only as the best market for [their]_{4948-the people} fruit , [their]_{4948-the people} fowls , [their]_{4948-the people} lace , [their]_{4948-the people} skins . [Their]_{4948-the people} brains were as dim as were [[their]_{4948-the people} oil‐lit streets]_{5409-their oil‐lit streets} at night ; though [their]_{4948-the people} lives were content and mirthful , and for the most part pious . [They]_{4948-the people} went out into [the summer meadows chaunting aves]_{5410-the summer meadows chaunting aves} , in seasons of drought to pray for rain on [[their]_{4948-the people} parching orchards]_{5411-their parching orchards} , in the same credulity with which [they]_{4948-the people} groped through the winter fog , bearing torches and chaunting dirges to gain a blessing at seed time on [their]_{4948-the people} bleak black fallows . The beauty and the faith of the old Mediæval life were with [them]_{4948-the people} still ; and its faith were its bigotry and its cruelty likewise . [They]_{4948-the people} led simple and contented lives ; for the most part honest , and amongst [themselves]_{4948-the people} cheerful and kindly ; preserving much grace of colour , of costume , of idiosyncracy , because apart from the hueless communism and characterless monotony of [modern cities]_{5412-modern cities} . But [they]_{4948-the people} believed in sorcery and in devilry ; [they]_{4948-the people} were brutal to [their]_{4948-the people} beasts , and could be as brutal to [[their]_{4948-the people} foes]_{5413-their foes} ; [they]_{4948-the people} were steeped in legend and tradition from [their]_{4948-the people} cradles ; and all the darkest superstitions of dead ages still found [home]_497-home and treasury in [their]_{4948-the people} hearts and at [their]_{4948-the people} hearths . Therefore , believing [her]_5415-her [a creature of evil]_{5416-a creature of evil} , [they]_{4948-the people} were inexorable against [her]_5415-her ; and thought that in being so [they]_{4948-the people} did [their]_{4948-the people} duty . [They]_{4948-the people} had always been [a religious people in [this birth country of [the Flamma race]_{5419-the flamma race}]_{5418-this birth country of the flamma race}]_{5417-a religious people in this birth country of the flamma race} ; the strong poetic reverence of [[their]_{4948-the people} forefathers]_{743-their forefathers} , which had symbolised itself in the carving of every lintel , corbel , or buttress in [[their]_{4948-the people} streets]_{5421-their streets} , and in the fashion of every spire on which a weather‐vane could gleam against the sun , was still in [their]_{4948-the people} blood ; the poetry had departed , but the bigotry remained . [[Their]_{4948-the people} ancestors]_{5422-their ancestors} had burned [wizards]_5423-wizards and [witches]_755-witches by the score in [the open square of [the cathedral place]_{5426-the cathedral place}]_{5425-the open square of the cathedral place} , and [[their]_{4948-the people} grandsires]_{5427-their grandsires} and [grandams]_{5428-grandams} had in [brave , dumb , ignorant peasant]_{5429-brave , dumb , ignorant peasant} fashion held fast to the lily and the cross , and gone by hundreds to the salutation of the axe and the baptism of the sword in the red days of revolution . [They]_{4948-the people} were [the same people]_{5430-the same people} still ; [industrious , frugal , peaceful , loyal , wedded to old ways and to old relics , content on little , and serene of heart]_{5431-industrious , frugal , peaceful , loyal , wedded to old ways and to old relics , content on little , and serene of heart} ; yet , withal , where [they]_{4948-the people} feared or where [they]_{4948-the people} hated , brutal with the brutality begotten of abject ignorance . And [they]_{4948-the people} had been so to [this outcast whom [they]_{4948-the people} all called [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine}]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} . When [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had first come amidst [them]_{4948-the people} , [a little desolate foreign child , mute with the dumbness of an unknown tongue]_{5433-a little desolate foreign child , mute with the dumbness of an unknown tongue} , and cast adrift amongst [strange people , unfamiliar ways , and chill blank glances]_{5434-strange people , unfamiliar ways , and chill blank glances} , [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had shyly tried in [a child]_{657-a child} ’s vague instincts of appeal and trust to make friends with [the other children that [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} saw]_{5436-the other children that she saw} , and to share a little in [the mothers]_{1026-the mothers} ’ smiles and [the babies]_{5438-the babies} ’ pastimes that were all around [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} in the glad green world of summer . But [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had been denied and rejected with hard words and harder blows ; at [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} coming the smiles had changed to frowns , and the pastime into terror . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was proud , [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was shy , [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was savage ; [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} felt rather than understood that [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was suspected and reviled ; [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} ceased to seek [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} own kind , and only went for companionship and sympathy to the creatures of [the fields]_{316-the fields} an [the woods]_{344-the woods} , to the things of [the earth]_{288-the earth} and the sky and [the water]_{265-the water} . “_[1267-she] [Thou]_1270-thou art [the devil ’s daughter]_{1243-the devil ’s daughter} ! ” half in sport hissed [the youths in [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place}]_{5443-the youths in the market‐place} against [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} as [the little child]_{5445-the little child} went amongst [them]_{5443-the youths in the market‐place} , carrying a load for [[her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} grandsire]_{5446-her grandsire} , heavier than [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} arms knew how to bear . “_[1267-she] [Thou]_1270-thou wert plague‐spotted from [thy]_1270-thou birth , ” said [the old man]_{335-the old man} [himself]_{335-the old man} , as [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} strained [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} small limbs to and fro the floors of [[his]_{335-the old man} storehouses]_{5448-his storehouses} , carrying wood or flour or tiles or rushes , or whatever there chanced to need such convoy . “_[1270-thou] Get [thee]_1270-thou away , [we]_1272-we are not to touch [thee]_1270-thou ! ” hissed [the six‐year old infants]_{5449-the six‐year old infants} at play by [the river]_{356-the river} when [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} waded in amidst [them]_{5449-the six‐year old infants} to reach with [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} lither arms the far‐off water‐flower which [they]_{5449-the six‐year old infants} were too timorous to pluck , and tendered it to [the one who had desired it]_{5451-the one who had desired it} . “_{[4853-the devil]} [The devil]_{4853-the devil} begot [thee]_1270-thou , and [my]_0-her cow fell ill yesterday after [thou]_1270-thou hadst laid hands upon [her]_1270-thou ! ” muttered [the old women]_{5452-the old women} , lifting a stick as [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} went near to [their]_{5452-the old women} cattle in [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} to brush off with a broad dockleaf the flies that were teasing the poor , meek , patient beasts . So , cursed when [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} did [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} duty and driven away when [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} tried to do good , [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} young soul had hardened itself and grown fierce , mute , callous , isolated . There were only the four‐footed things , so wise , so silent , so tender of heart , so bruised of body , so innocent , and so agonised , that had compassion for [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} , and saved [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} from utter desolation . In the mild sad gaze of the cow , in the lustrous suffering eyes of the horse , in the noble frank faith of the dog , in the soft bounding glee of the lamb , in the unwearied toil of the ass , in the tender industry of the bird , [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had sympathy and [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had example . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} loved [them]_{5449-the six‐year old infants} and [they]_{5449-the six‐year old infants} loved [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} saw that [they]_{5449-the six‐year old infants} were sinless , diligent , faithful , devoted , [loyal servers of [base masters]_{5455-base masters}]_{5454-loyal servers of base masters} ; loving greatly , and for [their]_{5449-the six‐year old infants} love goaded , beaten , overtasked , slaughtered . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} took the lesson to heart ; and hated [men]_364-men and [women]_365-women with a bitter hatred . So [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had grown up for ten years , caring for no human thing , except in a manner for [the old man]_{335-the old man} [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , who was , like [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} , proscribed . [The priest]_{5122-the priest} had striven to turn [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} soul what [they]_{5122-the priest} had termed heavenward ; but [their]_{5122-the priest} weapons had been wrath and intimidation . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} would have none of [them]_{5122-the priest} . No efforts that [they]_{5122-the priest} or [[her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} grandsire]_{5446-her grandsire} made had availed ; [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} would be starved , thrashed , cursed , maltreated as [they]_{5122-the priest} would ; [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} could not understand [their]_{5122-the priest} meaning , or would not submit [herself]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} to [their]_{5122-the priest} religion . As years went on [they]_{5122-the priest} found the contest hopeless , so had abandoned [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} to the devil , who had made [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} ; and [the daughter of one whom [the whole province]_{5462-the whole province} had called [saint]_5463-saint]_{5461-the daughter of one whom the whole province had called saint} had never passed within church‐doors or known the touch of holy water save when [they]_{5122-the priest} had cast it on [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} as an exorcism . And when [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} met [a priest]_{5464-a priest} in [the open roads]_{5465-the open roads} or on [the byepaths of [the fields]_{316-the fields}]_{5466-the byepaths of the fields} , [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} always sang in loud defiance [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} wildest melodies . Where had [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} learnt these ? They had been sung to [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} by [Phratos]_121-phratos , and taught by [him]_121-phratos . Who had [he]_121-phratos been ? [Her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} old life was obscure to [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} memory , and yet glorious even in that dimness . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} did not know who [those people]_{5468-those people} had been with whom [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had wandered , nor in [what land]_{5469-what land} [they]_{5468-those people} had dwelt . But that wondrous free life remained on [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} remembrance as a thing never to be forgotten or to be known again ; a life odorous with bursting fruits and budding flowers ; full of strangest and of sweetest music ; spent for ever under green leaves and suns that had no setting ; for ever beside [fathomless waters]_{5470-fathomless waters} and [winding forests]_{5471-winding forests} ; for ever rhymed to melody and soothed to the measure of deep winds and drifting clouds . For [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had forgotten all except its liberty and its loveliness ; and the old gypsy life of [the Liébana]_{1043-the liébana} remained with [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} only as some stray fragment of an existence passed in another world from which [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was now an exile , and revived in [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} only in the fierce passion of [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} nature , in [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} bitter , vague rebellion , in [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} longing to be free , in [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} anguish of vain desires for richer hues and bluer skies and wilder winds than those amidst which [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} toiled . At times [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} remembered likewise the songs and the melodies of [Phratos]_121-phratos ; remembered them when the moon rays swept across the white breadth of water lilies , or the breath of the spring stole through [the awakening woods]_{5473-the awakening woods} ; and when [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} remembered them [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} wept — wept bitterly , where none could look on [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} never thought of [Phratos]_121-phratos as [a man]_{4875-a man} ; as of [one who had lived in a human form]_{5475-one who had lived in a human form} , and was now lying dead in an earthly grave . [Her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} memory of [him]_121-phratos was as of [some nameless creature half divine , whose footsteps brought laughter and music , with eyes bright as a bird ’s , yet sad as a dog ’s , and a voice for ever singing]_{5476-some nameless creature half divine , whose footsteps brought laughter and music , with eyes bright as a bird ’s , yet sad as a dog ’s , and a voice for ever singing} ; clad in goat ’s hair , gigantic and gay : [a creature that had spoken tenderly to [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} , that had bidden [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} laugh and rejoice , that had carried [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} when [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was weary]_{5477-a creature that had spoken tenderly to her , that had bidden her laugh and rejoice , that had carried her when she was weary} ; that had taught [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} to sleep under the dewy leaves , and to greet the things of the night as [soft sisters]_{5478-soft sisters} , and to fear nothing in [the whole living world]_{5479-the whole living world} , in [the earth]_{288-the earth} , or the air , or the sky , and to tell the truth though a falsehood were to save the bare feet from flintstones , and naked shoulders from the stick , and an empty body from hunger and thirst . [A creature that seemed to [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} in [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} memories even as the faun seemed to the fancies of [the children of [the Piræus]_{5483-the piræus}]_{5482-the children of the piræus}]_{5481-a creature that seemed to her in her memories even as the faun seemed to the fancies of the children of the piræus} ; a creature half man and half animal , glad and grotesque , full of mirth and of music , belonging to [the forest]_{357-the forest} , to [the brook]_{5485-the brook} , to the stars , to the leaves , wandering like the wind , and , like the wind , homeless . This was all [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} memory ; but [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} cherished it ; in the face of [the priests]_{514-the priests} [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} bent [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} straight black brows and curled [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} scornful scarlet lips , but for the sake of [Phratos]_121-phratos [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} held one religion ; though [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} hated [men]_364-men [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} told [them]_364-men never a lie , and asked of [them]_364-men never alms . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} went now along [the white level roads]_{5488-the white level roads} , the empty basket balanced on [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} head , [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} form moving with the free harmonious grace of [desert women]_{5489-desert women} , and [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} sang as [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} went the old sweet songs of the broken viol . [She]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was friendless and desolate ; [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was ill‐fed , [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was heavily tasked ; [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} toiled without thanks ; [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was ignorant of even so much knowledge as the peasants about [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} had ; [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} was without a past or a future , and [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} present had in it but daily toil and bitter words ; hunger , and thirst , and chastisement . Yet for all that [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} sang;—sang because the vitality in [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} made [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} dauntless of all evil ; because the abundant life opening in [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} made [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} glad in despite of fate ; because [the youth]_{5041-the youth} , and the strength , and the soul that were in [her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} could not utterly be brutalised , could not wholly cease from feeling the gladness of the sun , the coursing of the breeze , the liberty of nature , the sweet quick sense of living . Before long [she]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} reached the spot where [the old man Marcellin]_{5491-the old man marcellin} was breaking [his]_{5491-the old man marcellin} stones . [His]_{5491-the old man marcellin} pile was raised much higher ; [he]_{5491-the old man marcellin} sat astride on a log of timber and hammered the flints on and on , on and on , without looking up ; the dust , where the tramp of [the people]_{4948-the people} had raised it , was still thick on the leaves and the herbage ; and the prayers and [the chaunts]_{5493-the chaunts} had failed as yet to bring the slightest cloud , the faintest rain mist , across the hot unbroken azure of the skies . [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} was [[her]_{5432-this outcast whom they all called folle‐farine} only friend]_{5494-her only friend} ; [the proscribed]_{5495-the proscribed} always adhere to [one another]_{700-one another} ; when [they]_{5495-the proscribed} are few [they]_{5495-the proscribed} can only brood and suffer , harmlessly ; when [they]_{5495-the proscribed} are many [they]_{5495-the proscribed} rise as with one foot and strike as with one hand . Therefore , it is always perilous to make the lists of any proscription over long . [The child]_{272-the child} , who was also [an outcast]_{5498-an outcast} , went to [him]_{5491-the old man marcellin} and paused ; in a curious , lifeless , bitter way [they]_5499-they cared for [one another]_{700-one another} ; [this girl who had grown to believe [herself]_{5501-this girl who had grown to believe herself born of hell} born of hell]_{5501-this girl who had grown to believe herself born of hell} , and [this man who had grown to believe that [he]_{5491-the old man marcellin} had served hell]_{5502-this man who had grown to believe that he had served hell} . With [the bastard Folle‐Farine]_{5503-the bastard folle‐farine} and with the regicide [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} [the people]_{4948-the people} had no association , and for [them]_{4948-the people} no pity ; therefore [they]_5499-they had found [each other]_{555-each other} by the kinship of proscription ; and in a way there was love between [them]_5499-they . “_{[4853-the devil]} [You]_1274-she are glad , since [you]_1274-she sing ! ” said [the old man]_{335-the old man} to [her]_1274-she as [she]_1274-she passed [him]_{335-the old man} again on [her]_1274-she homeward way , and paused again beside [him]_{335-the old man} . “_[1274-she] The birds in [cages]_1275-cages sing , ” [she]_1274-she answered [him]_{335-the old man} . “_[1274-she] But , think [you]_1276-he [they]_1277-they are glad ? ” “_[1277-they] Are [they]_1277-they not ? ” [She]_1274-she sat down a moment beside [him]_{335-the old man} , on [the bank which was soft with moss]_{5507-the bank which was soft with moss} , and odorous with wild flowers curling up the stems of the poplars and straying over into [the corn beyond]_{5508-the corn beyond} . “_[1277-they] Are [they]_1277-they ? Look . Yesterday [I]_0-her passed [a cottage]_{1278-a cottage} , [it]_{1278-a cottage} is on [the great south road]_{1279-the great south road} ; far away from [her]_1280-her . [The house]_{323-the house} was empty ; [the people]_{4948-the people} , no doubt , were gone to labour in [the fields]_{316-the fields} ; there was a wicker cage hanging to the wall , and in the cage there was a blackbird . The sun beat on [his]_1276-he head ; [his]_1276-he square of sod was a dry clod of bare earth ; the heat had dried every drop of water in [his]_1276-he pan ; and yet the bird was singing . Singing how ? In torment , beating [his]_1276-he breast against the bars till the blood started , crying to the skies to have mercy on [him]_1276-he and to let rain fall . [His]_1276-he song was shrill ; it had a scream in it ; still [he]_1276-he sang . Do [you]_1284-you say the merle was glad ? ” “_[1284-you] What did [you]_0-her do ? ” asked [the old man]_{335-the old man} , still breaking [his]_{335-the old man} stones with a monotonous rise and fall of [his]_{335-the old man} hammer . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her took the cage down and opened the door . ” “_[0-her] And [he]_1276-he ? ” “_[1276-he] [He]_1276-he shot up in the air first , then dropped down amidst the grasses , where [a little brook which the drought had not dried was still running]_{1285-a little brook which the drought had not dried was still running} ; and [he]_1276-he bathed and drank and bathed again , seeming mad with the joy of the water . When [I]_0-her lost [him]_1276-he from sight [he]_1276-he was swaying among the leaves on a bough over [the river]_{356-the river} ; but then [he]_1276-he was silent . ” “_[1276-he] And what do [you]_1284-you mean by that ? ” [Her]_0-her eyes clouded ; [she]_0-her was mute . [She]_0-her vaguely knew the meaning it bore to [herself]_0-her , but it was beyond [her]_0-her to express it . All things of nature had voices and parables for [her]_0-her , because [her]_0-her fancy was vivid and [her]_0-her mind was dreamy ; but that mind was still too dark , and too profoundly ignorant , for [her]_0-her to be able to shape [her]_0-her thoughts into metaphor or deduction . The bird had spoken to [her]_0-her ; by [his]_1276-he silence as by [his]_1276-he song ; but what [he]_1276-he had uttered [she]_0-her could not well utter again . Save , indeed , that song was not gladness , and neither was silence pain . [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , although [he]_1276-he had asked [her]_0-her , had asked needlessly ; for [he]_1276-he also knew . “_[1284-you] And what , think [you]_1284-you , [the people]_{4948-the people} said when [they]_{4948-the people} went back and found [the cage]_{1288-the cage} empty ? ” [he]_1276-he pursued , still echoing [his]_1276-he words and [hers]_0-her by the ringing sound of the falling hammer . A smile curled [her]_1284-you lips . “_[1284-you] That was [no though of [mine]_1284-you]_{1289-no though of mine} . ” [she]_1284-you said carelessly . “_{[4948-the people]} [They]_{4948-the people} had done wickedly to cage [him]_1290-him ; to set [him]_1290-him free [I]_0-her would have pulled down [their]_{4948-the people} thatch , or stove in [their]_{4948-the people} door , had need been . ” “_[0-her] Good ! ” said [the old man]_{335-the old man} briefly , with a gleam of light over [his]_{335-the old man} harsh lean face . [He]_{335-the old man} looked up at [her]_1284-you as [he]_{335-the old man} worked , the shivered flints flying right and left . “_[0-her] It was a pity to make [you]_1284-you [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , ” [he]_{335-the old man} muttered , as [his]_{335-the old man} keen gaze swept over [her]_1284-you . “_{[4876-a woman]} [A woman]_{4876-a woman} ! ” [She]_1284-you echoed the words dully and half wonderingly ; [she]_1284-you could not understand it in connection with [herself]_1284-you . [A woman]_{4876-a woman} ; that was [a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree]_{5512-a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree} , working [her]_{5512-a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree} lace on a frame ; that was [a woman who leaned out of [her]_{5512-a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree} lattice tossing a red carnation to [[her]_{5512-a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree} lover]_{408-her lover}]_{5513-a woman who leaned out of her lattice tossing a red carnation to her lover} ; that was [a woman who swept the open porch of [[their]_5516-them house]_{5517-their house} , singing as [she]_{5512-a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree} cleared the dust away]_{5515-a woman who swept the open porch of their house , singing as she cleared the dust away} ; that was [a woman who strode on [her]_{5512-a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree} blithe way through the clover , carrying [[her]_{5512-a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree} child]_{4931-her child} at [her]_{5512-a woman who sat in the sun under the fig tree} breast]_{5518-a woman who strode on her blithe way through the clover , carrying her child at her breast} . [She]_1293-she seemed to have no likeness to [them]_5516-them , no kindred with [them]_5516-them ; [she]_1293-she , [a beast of burden]_{5520-a beast of burden} , [a creature soulless and homeless]_{5521-a creature soulless and homeless} ; an animal made to fetch and carry , to be cursed and beaten , to know neither love nor hope , neither past nor future , but only a certain dull patience and furious hate , a certain dim pleasure in labour and indifference to pain . “_{[4876-a woman]} It was a pity to make [you]_1293-she [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , ” said [the old man]_{335-the old man} once more . “_{[4876-a woman]} [You]_1293-she might be [a man worth something]_{1295-a man worth something} ; but [a woman!—a thing that has no medium]_{1296-a woman!—a thing that has no medium} ; no haven between hell and heaven ; no option save to sit by the hearth to watch the pot boil and suckle [the children]_{452-the children} , or to go out into [the streets]_{5229-the streets} and [the taverns]_{1299-the taverns} to mock at [men]_364-men and to murder [them]_364-men . Which will [you]_1293-she do in the future ? ” “_[1293-she] What ? ” [She]_1293-she scarcely knew the meaning of the word . [She]_1293-she saw that the female creatures round [her]_1293-she were of all shades of age , from [the young girls]_{5523-the young girls} with [their]_{5523-the young girls} peach‐like cheeks to the old crones brown and withered as last year ’s nuts ; [she]_1293-she knew that if [she]_1293-she lived on [she]_1293-she would be old likewise ; but of a future [she]_1293-she had no conception , no ideal . [She]_1293-she had been left too ignorant to have visions of [any other world hereafter]_{5524-any other world hereafter} than [this one which [the low‐lying green hills and the arc of the pale blue sky]_{5526-the low‐lying green hills and the arc of the pale blue sky} shut in upon [her]_1293-she]_{5525-this one which the low‐lying green hills and the arc of the pale blue sky shut in upon her} . [She]_1293-she had one desire , indeed — a desire vague yet fierce — the desire for liberty . But it was such desire as the bird which [she]_1293-she had freed had known ; the desire of instinct , the desire of existence , only ; [her]_1293-she mind was powerless to conceive a future , because a future is a hope , and of hope [she]_1293-she knew nothing . [The old man]_{335-the old man} glanced at [her]_1293-she , and saw that [she]_1293-she had not comprehended . [He]_{335-the old man} smiled with a certain bitter pity . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her spoke idly , ” [he]_{335-the old man} said to [himself]_{335-the old man} ; “_[0-her] [slaves]_1301-slaves can not have a future . But yet — “ Yet [he]_{335-the old man} saw that the creature who was so ignorant of [her]_1293-she own powers , of [her]_1293-she own splendours , of [her]_1293-she own possibilities , had even now a beauty as great as that of a lustrous eastern‐eyed passion‐flower ; and [he]_{335-the old man} knew that to [a woman who has such beauty as this]_{5528-a woman who has such beauty as this} [the world]_{268-the world} holds out in [its]_{268-the world} hand the tender of at least one future — one election , [one kingdom]_{5530-one kingdom} , one destiny . “_[365-women] [Women]_365-women are loved , ” [she]_0-her said suddenly ; “_[365-women] will [any one]_{788-any one} love [me]_0-her ? ” [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} smiled bitterly . “_{[788-any one]} Many will love [you]_0-her , doubtless — as the wasp loves the peach that [he]_1304-he kisses with [his]_1304-he sting , and leaves rotten to drop from the stem ! ” [She]_0-her was silent again , revolving [his]_{335-the old man} meaning ; it lay beyond [her]_0-her , both in the peril which it embodied from [others]_5531-others , and the beauty in [herself]_0-her which it implied . [She]_0-her could reach no conception of [herself]_0-her , save as what [she]_0-her now was , [a body servant of toil]_{5532-a body servant of toil} , a beast of burden like a young mule . “_[1304-he] But all shun [me]_0-her , as even the wasp shuns the bitter oak apple , ” [she]_0-her said , slowly and dreamily ; “_[1304-he] who should love [me]_0-her , even as the wasp loves the peach ? ” [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} smiled [his]_{335-the old man} grim and shadowy smile . [He]_{335-the old man} made answer — “_[1304-he] Wait ! ” [She]_0-her sat mute once more , revolving this strange , brief word in [her]_0-her thoughts — strange to [her]_0-her , with a promise as vague , as splendid , and as incomprehensible as the prophecy of empire to [a slave]_{5533-a slave} . “_[1304-he] The future ? ” [she]_0-her said , at last . “_[1304-he] That means something that [one]_1305-one has not , and that is to come — is it so ? ” “_[1305-one] Something that [one]_1305-one never has , and that never comes , ” muttered [the old man]_{335-the old man} , wearily cracking the flints in two ; “_[1305-one] something that [one]_1305-one possesses in [one]_1305-one ’s sleep , and that is farther off each time that [one]_1305-one awakes ; and yet a thing that [one]_1305-one sees always — sees even when [one]_1305-one lies a‐dying , [they]_1305-one say — for [men]_364-men are [fools]_4955-fools . ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} listened , musing , with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands clasped on the handles of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} empty basket , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} chin resting upon them , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes watching a maimed butterfly drag its wings of emerald and diamond through the hot , pale , sickly dust . “_[1305-one] [I]_0-her dream ! ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said , suddenly , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stooped and lifted the wounded insect gently on to the edge of a leaf . “_[1305-one] But [I]_0-her dream wide awake . ” [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} smiled . “_[0-her] Never say so . [They]_1305-one will think [you]_0-her mad . That is only what foolish things , called [poets]_1314-poets , do . ” “_[1314-poets] What is [a poet]_{1315-a poet} ? ” “_{[1315-a poet]} A foolish thing — [I]_0-her tell [you]_0-her — mad enough to believe that [men]_364-men will care to strain [their]_364-men eyes , as [he]_364-men strains [his]_364-men , to see the face of a God who never looks and never listens . ” “_{[1315-a poet]} Ah ! ” [She]_0-her was so accustomed to be told , that all [she]_0-her did was unlike to [others]_5531-others , and was either wicked or was senseless , that [she]_0-her saw nothing except the simple statement of a fact in the rebuke which [he]_364-men had given [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her sat quiet , gazing down into the thick white dust of [the road]_{4855-the road} , bestirred by the many feet of [mules]_803-mules and [men that had trodden through it since the dawn]_{5538-men that had trodden through it since the dawn} . “_{[1315-a poet]} [I]_0-her dream beautiful things , ” [she]_0-her pursued slowly . “_[0-her] In the moonlight most often . [I]_0-her seem to remember , when [I]_0-her dream — so much ! so much ! ” “_[0-her] Remember — what should [you]_0-her remember ? [You]_0-her were but [a baby]_{1066-a baby} when [they]_1318-they brought [you]_0-her hither . ” “_[1318-they] So [they]_1318-they say . But [I]_0-her might live before , in [[[my]_0-her father]_{1319-my father} ’s kingdom]_{1320-my father ’s kingdom} . In [the devil ’s kingdom]_{1321-the devil ’s kingdom} ? Why not ? ” “_[1318-they] Why not , indeed ! Perhaps [we]_1322-we all lived [there]_439-there once ; and that is why [we]_1322-we all , through all [our]_1322-we lives , hanker to get back to it ! ” “_[1324-he] [I]_0-her ask [him]_1324-he so often to take [me]_0-her back , but [he]_1324-he does not seem ever to hear . ” “_[1324-he] Chut ! [He]_1324-he will hear in [his]_1324-he own good time . [The devil]_{4853-the devil} never passes by [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . ” “_{[4876-a woman]} [A woman]_{4876-a woman} ! ” [she]_1328-you repeated . The word seemed to have no likeness and no fitness with [herself]_1328-you . [A woman]_{4876-a woman} — [she!—a creature made to be beaten , and worn at , and shunned , and loaded like a mule , and driven like a bullock]_{5540-she!—a creature made to be beaten , and worn at , and shunned , and loaded like a mule , and driven like a bullock} ! “_{[4876-a woman]} Look [you]_1328-you , ” said [the old man]_{335-the old man} , resting [his]_{335-the old man} hammer for a moment , and wiping the sweat from [his]_{335-the old man} brow . “_[1328-you] [I]_0-her have lived in [this vile place]_{1329-this vile place} forty years . [I]_0-her remember the woman that [they]_1330-they say bore [you]_1328-you — [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . [She]_{117-reine flamma} was [a beautiful woman , and pure as snow , and noble , and innocent]_{1331-a beautiful woman , and pure as snow , and noble , and innocent} . [She]_{117-reine flamma} wearied [God]_118-god incessantly . [I]_0-her have seen [her]_{117-reine flamma} stretched for hours at the foot of that cross . [She]_{117-reine flamma} was wretched ; and [she]_{117-reine flamma} entreated [[her]_{117-reine flamma} God]_{1332-her god} to take away [her]_{117-reine flamma} monotonous misery , and to give [her]_{117-reine flamma} some life new and fair . But [God]_118-god never answered . [He]_{1332-her god} left [her]_{117-reine flamma} to [herself]_{117-reine flamma} . It was [the devil]_{4853-the devil} that heard — and replied . ” “_{[4853-the devil]} Then , is [the devil]_{4853-the devil} juster than [[their]_{4853-the devil} God]_{1335-their god} ? ” [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} leaned [his]_{4853-the devil} hammer on [his]_{4853-the devil} knee , and [his]_{4853-the devil} voice rose clear and strong ; as it had rung of yore from the tribune . “_{[4853-the devil]} [He]_{4853-the devil} looks so , at the least . It is [his]_{4853-the devil} wisdom , and that is why [his]_{4853-the devil} following is so large . Nay , [I]_0-her say , when [God]_118-god is deaf [the devil]_{4853-the devil} listens . “ That is [his]_{4853-the devil} wisdom , see [you]_5542-you . “_{[4853-the devil]} So often [the poor little weak human soul]_{1337-the poor little weak human soul} , striving to find the right way , cries feebly for help , and [none]_498-none answer . “ [The poor little weak soul]_{5543-the poor little weak soul} is blind and astray in [the busy streets of [the world]_{268-the world}]_{5544-the busy streets of the world} . “_{[4853-the devil]} [It]_{4853-the devil} lifts [its]_{4853-the devil} voice , but [its]_{4853-the devil} voice is so young and so feeble , like the pipe of a newly‐born bird in the dawn , that it is drowned in the shouts and the manifold sounds of [those hard , crowded , cruel streets]_{1339-those hard , crowded , cruel streets} , where [every one]_{1340-every one} is for [himself]_{1340-every one} , and [no man]_{392-no man} has ears for [[his]_{1340-every one} neighbour]_{1342-his neighbour} . [It]_{4853-the devil} is hungered , it is athirst , it is sorrowful , it is blinded , it is perplexed , it is afraid . “ It cries often , but [God]_118-god and [man]_4882-man leave it to [itself]_{4853-the devil} . “_{[1343-the devil , who hearkens always]} Then [the devil , who hearkens always]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} , and who , though all the trumpets blowing [their]_1344-their brazen music in [the streets]_{5229-the streets} bray in [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} honour , yet is too wise to lose even the slightest sound of any in distress — since of such are the largest sheaves of [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} harvest — comes to [the little soul]_{1346-the little soul} , and teaches it with tenderness , and guides [it]_{1346-the little soul} towards [the paths of gladness]_{1347-the paths of gladness} , and fills [it]_{1346-the little soul} s lips with the bread of sweet passions , and its nostrils with the savour of fair vanities , and blows in its ear the empty breath of [men]_364-men ’s lungs , till that sickly wind seems divinest music . “ Then is the soul dazzled and captured , and made [the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s for evermore ; half through [its]_{1346-the little soul} innocence , half through its weakness ; but chiefly of all because [God]_118-god and [man]_4882-man would not hear [its]_{1346-the little soul} cries while yet it was sinless and only astray . ”_{[1343-the devil , who hearkens always]} [He]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} ceased , and the strokes of [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} hammer rang again on the sharp flint stones . [She]_1349-her had listened with [her]_1349-her lips parted breathlessly , and [her]_1349-her night‐like eyes dilated . In the years of [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} youth [the old man]_{335-the old man} had possessed that rare power which can tip words with fire , and send them burning and keen into the coldest heart ; and the power was still there , when it woke up from the stupor of a life of toil , and the silence of a harsh old age . In the far distant time , when [he]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} had been amidst the world of [men]_364-men , [he]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} had known how to utter the words that charmed to stillness [a raging multitude]_{1352-a raging multitude} . [He]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} had not altogether lost this eloquence at such rare times as [he]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} still cared to break [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} silence , and to unfold the unforgotten memories of a life long dead . [He]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} would speak thus to [her]_1349-her , but to [no other]_{1353-no other} . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} listened , mute and breathless , [her]_1349-her eyes uplifted to the sun , where it was sinking westward through a pomp of golden and of purple cloud . [He]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} was [the only creature who ever spoke to [her]_1349-her as though [she]_1349-her likewise were human]_{1354-the only creature who ever spoke to her as though she likewise were human} ; and [she]_1349-her followed [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} words with dumb unquestioning faith , as [a dog its master]_{1355-a dog its master} ’s footsteps . “ The soul ! What is the soul ? ”_[1349-her] [she]_1349-her muttered at length . [He]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} caught in [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} hand the beautiful diamond‐winged butterfly , which [now , freed of the dust and drinking in the sunlight]_{1356-now , freed of the dust and drinking in the sunlight} , was poised on a foxglove in the hedge growing near [him]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} , and held it against the light . What is it that moves this creature ’s wings , and glances in [its]_1357-its eyes , and gives [it]_1357-its delight in the summer ’s warmth , in the orchid ’s honey , and in the lime‐tree ’s leaves ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her do not know ; but [I]_0-her know that [I]_0-her can kill it — with one grind of [my]_0-her heel . ” “_[0-her] So much [we]_1358-we know of the soul — no more . ” [She]_1349-her freed it from [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} hand . “_[0-her] Whoever made it , then , was cruel . If [he]_1359-he could give [it]_1360-it so much power , why not have given it a little more , so that it could escape [you]_1349-her always ? ” “_[1349-her] [You]_1349-her ask what [men]_364-men have asked ten times ten thousand years — since [the world]_{268-the world} began — without an answer . Because the law of all creation is cruelty , [I]_0-her suppose ; because the dust of death is always the breath of life . [The great man]_{1363-the great man} , dead , changes to a million worms , and lives again in the juices of the grass above [[his]_{1363-the great man} grave]_{1364-his grave} . It matters little . The worms destroy ; the grasses nourish . [Few great men]_{1365-few great men} do more than the first , or as much as the last . ” “_{[1365-few great men]} But get [you]_1349-her homeward , ” [he]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} continued , breaking off [his]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} parable ; “_{[1365-few great men]} it is two hours past noon , and if [you]_1349-her be late on the way [you]_1349-her pay for it with [your]_1349-her body . Begone . ” [She]_1349-her nodded [her]_1349-her head , and went ; [he]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} seldom used gentle words to [her]_1349-her , and yet [she]_1349-her knew , in a way , that [he]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} cared for [her]_1349-her ; moreover , [she]_1349-her rejoiced in that bitter , caustic contempt in which [he]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} , [the oldest man amidst [them]_5550-them]_{5549-the oldest man amidst them} , held [all men]_{5168-all men} . [His]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} words were the only thing that had aroused [her]_1349-her dulled brain to its natural faculties ; in a manner , from [him]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} [she]_1349-her had caught something of knowledge — something , too , of intellect ; [he]_{1343-the devil , who hearkens always} alone prevented [her]_1349-her from sinking to that absolute unquestioning despair which surely ends in idiocy or in self‐murder . [She]_1349-her pursued [her]_1349-her way in silence across [the fields]_{316-the fields} , and along [the straight white road]_{5553-the straight white road} , and across a wooden bridge that spanned [the river]_{356-the river} , to [[her]_1349-her home]_{5555-her home} . There was a gentler lustre in [her]_1349-her eyes and [her]_1349-her mouth had the faint light of a half smile upon it ; [she]_1349-her did not know what hope meant ; it never seemed possible to [her]_1349-her that [her]_1349-her fate could be other than it was , since so long [the messengers and emissaries of [[her]_1349-her father]_{389-her father} ’s empire]_{5556-the messengers and emissaries of her father ’s empire} had been silent and leaden‐footed to [her]_1349-her call . Yet , in a manner , [she]_1349-her was comforted , for had not two mouths that day bidden [her]_1349-her “_{[1366-the gods]} wait ” ? [She]_1349-her entered at length [the little wood of [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{5558-the little wood of yprès} , and heard that rush and music of [the deep mill water]_{5559-the deep mill water} , which was the sole thing [she]_1349-her had learned to love in all [the place]_{342-the place} . Beyond [it]_{5558-the little wood of yprès} were [the apple orchards and fruit gardens]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} which rendered [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} back full recompense for the toil [they]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} cost [him]_{115-claudis flamma} — recompense so large , indeed , that many disbelieved in that poverty which [he]_{115-claudis flamma} was wo nt to aver weighed so hardly and so tightly on [him]_{115-claudis flamma} . Both were now rich in all [their]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} mature abundance , since the stream which rushed through [them]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} had saved [them]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} from the evil effects of the long drought so severely felt in other districts . The cherry trees were scarlet with [their]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} latest fruit ; the great pumpkins glowed amongst [their]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} leaves in tawny orange heaps ; little russet‐breasted bullfinches beat [their]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} wings vainly at the fine network that enshrouded the paler gold of the wall apricots ; a grey cat was stealing amongst the delicate yellows of the pear‐shaped marrows ; where a round green wrinkled melon lay a‐ripening in the sun , a gorgeous dragon‐fly was hovering , and [a mother‐mavis]_{5562-a mother‐mavis} , in [her]_{5562-a mother‐mavis} simple coif of brown and white and grey , was singing with all the gladness of [her]_{5562-a mother‐mavis} sunny summer joys . Beyond [a hedge of prickly thorn]_{5563-a hedge of prickly thorn} [the narrower flower garden]_{5564-the narrower flower garden} stretched , spanned by low stone walls , made venerable by the silvery beards of lichens ; and [the whole earth]_{5565-the whole earth} was full of colour from the crimson and the golden gladioli ; from the carmine‐hued carnations ; from the deep‐blue lupins , and the Gloire de Dijon roses ; from the green slender stems , and the pure white cups , of the virginal lilies ; and from the gorgeous beetles , with [their]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} purple tunics and [their]_{5561-the apple orchards and fruit gardens} shields of bronze , like Grecian hoplites in battle array . While everywhere , above [this sweet glad garden world]_{5566-this sweet glad garden world} , the butterflies , purple and jewelled , the red‐starts in their ruby coats , the dainty azure‐winged blue‐warblers , the golden‐girdled wasp with his pinions light as mist , and the velvet‐coated bee with [his]_{115-claudis flamma} pleasant harvest song , flew ever in the sunlight , murmuring , poising , praising , rejoicing . [The place]_{342-the place} was beautiful in [its]_{342-the place} own simple , quiet way ; lying in a hollow , where [the river]_{356-the river} tumbled down in tow or three short breaks and leaps which broke its habitual smooth and sluggish form , and brought it in a sheet of dark water and with a million foam‐bells against the walls of [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} and under the ponderous wheels . [The wooden house itself]_{5570-the wooden house itself} also was picturesque , in the old fashion common when [men]_364-men built [[their]_364-men dwellings]_{5572-their dwellings} slowly and for love ; with all [its]_{5570-the wooden house itself} countless carvings black by age , [its]_{5570-the wooden house itself} jutting beams shapen into grotesque human likeness and tragic masks ; [its]_{5570-the wooden house itself} parquetted work run over by the green cups of stoneworks , and [its]_{5570-the wooden house itself} high roof with deep shelving eave bright with diapered tiles of blue and white and rose , and alive all day with curling swallows , with pluming pigeons , with cooing doves . [It]_{5570-the wooden house itself} was beautiful ; and the heart of [[Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} ’s young daughter]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} doubtless would have clung to [it]_{5570-the wooden house itself} , with all [a child]_{657-a child} ’s instinct of love and loyalty to [[its]_{5570-the wooden house itself} home]_{5575-its home} , had it not been to [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} only [a prison‐house wherein [three bitter gaolers]_{5577-three bitter gaolers} for ever ruled [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} with a rod of iron]_{5576-a prison‐house wherein three bitter gaolers for ever ruled her with a rod of iron} — bigotry and penury and cruelty . [She]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} flung [herself]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} down a moment in [the garden]_{544-the garden} , on the long grass under a mulberry tree , ere [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} went in to give [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} account of the fruit sold and the monies brought by [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} . [She]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} had been on foot since four o’clock in the dawn of that sultry day ; [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} only meal had been a bowl or cold milk and a hunch of dry bread crushed in [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} strong small teeth . [She]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} always toiled hard at such bodily labour as was set to [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} ; to domestic work , to the work of the distaff and spindle , of the stove and the needle , [they]_{5577-three bitter gaolers} had never been able to break [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} ; [they]_{5577-three bitter gaolers} had found that [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} would be beaten black and blue ere [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} would be bound to it ; but against open air exertion [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} had never rebelled , and [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} had in [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} all the strength and the swiftness of [the nomadic race of [the Liébana]_{1043-the liébana}]_{5579-the nomadic race of the liébana} , and had nought of [their]_{5577-three bitter gaolers} indolence and [their]_{5577-three bitter gaolers} dishonesty . [She]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} was very hungry , [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} was again thirsty ; yet [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} did not break off a fruit from any bough about [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} ; [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} did not steep [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} hot lips in any one of the cool juicy apricots which studded the stones of the wall beyond [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} . [No one]_{264-no one} had ever taught [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} honesty , except indeed in that dim dead time when [Phratos]_121-phratos had closed [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} small hands in [his]_121-phratos whenever [they]_5582-they had stretched out to some forbidden thing , and had said , “_{[1366-the gods]} Take the goods [the gods]_{1366-the gods} give [thee]_1367-thee , but steal not from [men]_364-men . ” And yet honest [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} was , by reason of the fierce proud savage independence in [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} , and [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} dim memories of [that sole friend loved and lost]_{5583-that sole friend loved and lost} . [She]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} wanted many a thing , many a time;—nay , nearly every hour that [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} lived , [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} wanted those sheer necessaries which make life endurable ; but [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} had taught [herself]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} to do without [them]_5584-them rather than owe [them]_5584-them by prayer or plunder to [that human race which [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} hated , and to which [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} always doubted [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} own kinship]_{5585-that human race which she hated , and to which she always doubted her own kinship} . Buried in the grass , [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} now abandoned [herself]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} to the bodily delights of rest , of shade , of coolness , of sweet odours : the scent of the fruits and flowers was heavy on the air ; the fall of the water made a familiar tempestuous music on [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} ear ; and [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} fancy , poetic still , though deadened by a life of ignorance and toil , was stirred by the tender tones of the numberless birds that sang about [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} . “_{[1366-the gods]} [The earth]_{288-the earth} and the air are good , ” [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} thought , as [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} lay there watching the dark leaves sway in the foam and the wind , and the bright‐bosomed birds float from blossom to blossom . For there was latent in [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} , all untaught , that old pantheistic instinct of the divine age , when [the world]_{268-the world} was young , to behold [a sentient consciousness in every leaf unfolded to the light]_{5587-a sentient consciousness in every leaf unfolded to the light} ; to see [a soul in every created thing the day]_{5588-a soul in every created thing the day} shines on ; to feel the presence of an eternal life in every breeze that moves , in every grass that grows ; in every flame that lifts itself to heaven ; in every bell that vibrates on the air ; in every moth that soars to reach the stars . Pantheism is the religion of [the poet]_{5589-the poet} ; and nature had made [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} [a poet]_{1315-a poet} , though [man]_4882-man as yet had but made of [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} [an outcast]_{5498-an outcast} , [a slave]_{5533-a slave} , and [a beast of burden]_{5520-a beast of burden} . “_{[1366-the gods]} [The earth]_{288-the earth} and the air are good , ” [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} thought , watching the sun‐rays pierce the purple heart of a passion‐flower , the shadows move across the deep brown water , the radiant butterfly alight upon a lily , the scarlet‐throated birds dart in and out , through the yellow feathery blossoms of the limes . All birds were [[her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} friends]_{5595-her friends} . [Phratos]_121-phratos had taught [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} in [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} infancy many notes of [their]_{5595-her friends} various songs , and many ways and means of luring [them]_{5595-her friends} to come and rest upon [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} shoulder and peck the berries in [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} hands . [She]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} had lived so much in [the open fields]_{5596-the open fields} and amongst [the woods]_{344-the woods} that [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} had made [[her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} chief companions of [them]_{5595-her friends}]_{5598-her chief companions of them} . [She]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} could emulate so deftly all [their]_{5595-her friends} voices , from the call of the wood dove to the chant of the blackbird , and from the trill of the nightingale to the twitter of the titmouse , that [she]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} could summon [them]_{5595-her friends} all to [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} at will , and have dozens of [them]_{5595-her friends} fluttering around [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} head and swaying [their]_{5595-her friends} pretty bodies on [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} wrist . It was one of [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} ways that seemed to [the peasantry]_{5218-the peasantry} so weird and magical ; and [they]_{5595-her friends} would come [home]_497-home from [[their]_{5595-her friends} fields]_{5235-their fields} on a spring day‐break and tell [[their]_{5595-her friends} wives]_{5602-their wives} in horror how [they]_{5595-her friends} had seen [[the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s daughter]_{1243-the devil ’s daughter} in the red flush of the sunrise , ankle‐deep in violets , and covered with birds from head to foot , hearing [their]_{5595-her friends} whispers , and giving [them]_{5595-her friends} [her]_{5573-reine flamma ’s young daughter} messages to carry in return . [One meek‐eyed woman]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} had dared once to say that [St. Francis]_{143-st. francis} had done as much , and it had been accredited to [him]_{143-st. francis} as a fair action and virtuous knowledge ; but [she]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} was frowned down and chattered down by [[her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} louder neighbours]_{5606-her louder neighbours} , who told [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} that [she]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} might look for some sharp judgment of heaven for daring to couple together the blessed name of [the holy saint]_{5607-the holy saint} and the accursed name of [this foul spirit]_{5608-this foul spirit} . But all [they]_{5606-her louder neighbours} could say could not break the charmed communion between [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} and [[her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} feathered companions]_{5609-her feathered companions} . [She]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} loved [them]_{5606-her louder neighbours} and [they]_{5606-her louder neighbours} [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} . In the hard winter [she]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} had always saved some of [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} scanty meal for [them]_{5606-her louder neighbours} , and in the springtime and the summer [they]_{5606-her louder neighbours} always rewarded [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} with floods of songs and soft caresses from [their]_{5606-her louder neighbours} nestling wings . There were no rare birds , no birds of [moor and mountain]_{5610-moor and mountain} , in [that cultivated and populous district]_{5611-that cultivated and populous district} ; but to [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} all the little home‐bred things of [pasture and orchard]_{5612-pasture and orchard} were full of poetry and of character . The robins , with that pretty air of boldness with which [they]_{5606-her louder neighbours} veil [their]_{5606-her louder neighbours} real shyness and timidity ; the strong and saucy sparrows , powerful by the strength of all mediocrities and majorities ; [all the dainty families of finches in [their]_{5606-her louder neighbours} gay apparellings]_{5613-all the dainty families of finches in their gay apparellings} ; the plain brown bird that filled the night with music ; the gorgeous oriole ruffling in gold , the gilded princeling of [them]_{5606-her louder neighbours} all ; the little blue warblers , the violets of the air ; [the kingfishers who had hovered so long over the forget‐me‐nots]_{5614-the kingfishers who had hovered so long over the forget‐me‐nots} upon [the rivers]_{5615-the rivers} that [they]_{5614-the kingfishers who had hovered so long over the forget‐me‐nots} had caught the colours of the flowers on [their]_{5614-the kingfishers who had hovered so long over the forget‐me‐nots} wings ; the bright black‐caps green as the leaves , with [their]_{5606-her louder neighbours} yellow waistcoats and velvet hoods , [the innocent freebooters of [the woodland liberties]_{5617-the woodland liberties}]_{5616-the innocent freebooters of the woodland liberties} : all these were [[her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} friends]_{5595-her friends} and [lovers]_4914-lovers , various as [any human crowds of court]_{5620-any human crowds of court} or [city]_5621-city . [She]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} loved [them]_{5606-her louder neighbours} ; [they]_{5606-her louder neighbours} and the fourfooted beasts were the sole things that did not flee from [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} ; and the woeful and mad slaughter of [them]_{5606-her louder neighbours} by [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} was to [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} a grief passionate in its despair . [She]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} did not reason on what [she]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} felt ; but to [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} a bird slain was a trust betrayed , an innocence defiled , [a creature of heaven]_{5623-a creature of heaven} struck to earth . Suddenly on the silence of [the garden]_{544-the garden} there was a little shrill sound of pain ; the birds flew high in air , screaming and startled ; the leaves of a bough of ivy shook as with a struggle . [She]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} rose and looked ; a line of twine was trembling against the foliage ; in its noosed end the throat of the mavis had been caught ; it hung tremblingly and clutching at the air convulsively with [its]_5625-its little drawn up feet . [It]_5625-its had flown into the trap as it had ended [its]_5625-its joyous song and soared up to join [its brethren]_{5626-its brethren} . There were a score of such traps set in [[the miller]_{280-the miller} ’s garden]_{5628-the miller ’s garden} . [She]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} unloosed the cord from about its tiny neck , set it free , and laid it down upon the ivy : the succour came too late ; [the little gentle body]_{5629-the little gentle body} was already without breath ; the feet had ceased to beat the air ; the small soft head had drooped feebly on one side ; the lifeless eyes had started from their sockets ; the throat was without song for evermore . “_{[1366-the gods]} [The earth]_{288-the earth} would be good but for [men]_364-men , ” [she]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} thought , as [she]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} stood with the little dead bird in [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} hand . Its mate , which was poised on a rose bough , flew straight to it , and curled round and round about [the small slain body]_{5630-the small slain body} , and piteously bewailed its fate , and mourned , refusing to be comforted , agitating the air with trembling wings , and giving out vain cries of grief . Vain ; for the little joyous life was gone ; the life that asked only of [God]_118-god and [Man]_4882-man a home in the green leaves ; a drop of dew from the cup of a rose ; a bough to swing on in the sunlight ; a summer day to celebrate in song . All the winter through , it had borne cold and hunger and pain without lament ; it had saved [the soil]_{5632-the soil} from destroying larvæ , and purified the trees from all foul germs ; it had built [[its]_5625-its little home]_{5633-its little home} unaided , and had fed [its]_5625-its nestlings without alms ; it had given its sweet song lavishly to the winds , to the blossoms , to the empty air , to the deaf ears of [men]_364-men ; and now it lay dead in its innocence ; trapped and slain because human greed begrudge [it]_5625-its a berry worth the thousandth part of a copper coin . Out from the porch of [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} came , with a knife in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} hand and a basket , to cut lilies for one of [the choristers of [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral}]_{5636-the choristers of the cathedral} , since the morrow would be the religious feast of the Visitation of [Mary]_119-mary . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} saw the dead thrush in [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} hand , and chuckled to [himself]_{115-claudis flamma} as [he]_{115-claudis flamma} went by . “_{[1366-the gods]} The tenth bird trapped since sunrise , ” [he]_{115-claudis flamma} said , thinking how shrewd and how sure in [their]_5638-their make were these traps of twine that [he]_{115-claudis flamma} set in the grass and the leaves . [She]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} said nothing ; but the darkness of disgust swept over [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} face , as [he]_{115-claudis flamma} came in sight in the distance . [She]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} knelt down and scraped a hole in [the earth]_{288-the earth} ; and laid moss in it and put the mavis softly on its green and fragrant bier , and covered it with handsful of fallen rose leaves and with a spring or two of thyme . Around [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} head the widowed thrush flew ceaselessly , uttering sad cries;—who now should wander with [him]_{115-claudis flamma} through the sunlight?—who now should rove with [him]_{115-claudis flamma} above the blossoming fields?—who now should sit with [him]_{115-claudis flamma} beneath the boughs hearing the sweet rain fall between the leaves?—who now should wake with [him]_{115-claudis flamma} whilst yet [the world]_{268-the world} was dark , to feel the dawn break , ere [the east]_{5641-the east} were red , and sing a welcome to the unborn day ? MEANWHILE [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} cut the lilies for the cathedral altars , muttering many holy prayers as [he]_{115-claudis flamma} gathered the flowers of [Mary]_119-mary . When the white lily sheaves had been borne away , kept fresh in wet moss , by [the young chorister who had been sent for [them]_5638-their]_{5642-the young chorister who had been sent for them} , [the miller]_{280-the miller} turned to [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} . “_{[1366-the gods]} Where is the money ? ” [She]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} , standing beside the buried bird , undid the leathern thong about [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} waist , opened the pouch , and counted out the coins , one by one , on the flat stone of a water tank amongst the lilies and the ivy . There were a few silver pieces of slight value and some dozens of copper ones . The fruit had been left at [various stalls]_{5644-various stalls} and [houses]_5645-houses in small portions , for it was the custom to supply it fresh each day . [He]_{280-the miller} caught them up with avidity , bit and tested each , counted them again and again , and yet again ; after the third enumeration [he]_{280-the miller} turned sharply on [her]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} . “_{[1366-the gods]} There are two pieces too little : what have [you]_1373-you done with them ? ” “_[1373-you] There are two sous short , ” [she]_{5605-one meek‐eyed woman} answered [him]_{280-the miller} curtly . “_[1373-you] Twelve of the figs for the tanner Florian were rotten . ” “_[1373-you] Rotten!—they were but over ripe . ” “_[1373-you] It is the same thing . ” “_[1373-you] [You]_1373-you dare to answer [me?—animal]_{1374-me?—animal} ! [I]_0-her say [they]_1375-they had only tasted a little too much of the sun . It only made [them]_1375-they the sweeter . ” “_[0-her] They were rotten . ” “_[1375-they] [They]_1375-they were not . [You]_1373-you dare to speak ! If they had been rotten , they lay under the others ; [he]_1376-him could not have seen — ” “_[1376-him] [I]_0-her saw . ” “_[1373-you] [You]_1373-you saw ! Who are [you?—a beggar]_{1377-you?—a beggar} — [a beast]_{1378-a beast} — [a foul offspring of sin]_{1379-a foul offspring of sin} . [You]_1373-you dared to show them to [him]_1376-him , [I]_0-her will warrant ? ” “_[1373-you] [I]_0-her showed [him]_1376-him that they were not good . ” “_[0-her] And gave [him]_1376-him back the two sous ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her took seven sous for what were good . [I]_0-her took nothing for the rotten ones . ” “_[0-her] [Wretch]_144-wretch ! [you]_1373-you dare to tell [me]_0-her that ! ” A smile careless and sarcastic curled [her]_1373-you mouth ; [her]_1373-you eyes looked at [him]_1373-you with all [their]_5646-their boldest , fiercest lustre . “_[144-wretch] [I]_0-her never steal — not even from [you]_1373-you , good [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} . ” “_[1373-you] [You]_1373-you have stolen now ! ” [he]_1373-you shrieked , [his]_1373-you thin and feeble voice rising in fury at [his]_1373-you lost coins and [his]_1373-you discovered treachery . “_[1373-you] It is a lie that the figs were rotten ; it is a lie that [you]_1373-you took but seven sous . [You]_1373-you stole the two sous to buy [you]_1373-you bread and honey in [the streets]_{5229-the streets} , or to get a drink at [the wine shops]_{1381-the wine shops} . [I]_0-her know [you]_1373-you ; [I]_0-her know [you]_1373-you ; it is a devil ’s device to please [your]_1373-you gluttonous appetite . The figs rotten!—not so rotten as is [your]_1373-you soul would [they]_1382-they be though they were black as night and though they stank as river mud ! Go back to [Denis Florian]_{145-denis florian} and bring [me]_0-her the two sous , or [I]_0-her will thrash [you]_1373-you as [a thief]_{1383-a thief} . ” [She]_0-her laughed a hard , scornful , reckless laughter . “_[0-her] [You]_1373-you can thrash [me]_0-her ; [you]_1373-you can not make [me]_0-her [a thief]_{1383-a thief} . ” “_[1373-you] [You]_1373-you will not go back to [Florian]_{145-denis florian} ? ” “_[1373-you] [I]_0-her will not ask [him]_{145-denis florian} to pay for what was bad . ” “_[1373-you] [You]_1373-you will not confess that [you]_1373-you stole the money ? ” “_[1373-you] [I]_0-her should lie if [I]_0-her did . ” “_[1373-you] Then strip . ” [She]_0-her set [her]_0-her teeth in silence ; and without a moment ’s hesitation unloosened the woollen sash knotted round [her]_0-her waist , and pushed down the coarse linen tunic from about [her]_0-her throat . The white folds fell from off the perfect curves of [her]_0-her brown arms , and left bare [her]_0-her shining shoulders , beautiful as [any sculptured Psyche]_{5647-any sculptured psyche} ’s . [She]_0-her was not conscious of degradation in [her]_0-her punishment ; [she]_0-her had been bidden to bow [her]_0-her head and endure the lash from the earliest years [she]_0-her could remember . According to the only creed [she]_0-her knew , silence and fortitude and strength were the greatest of all virtues . [She]_0-her stood now in the cross lights among the lilies as [she]_0-her had stood when [a little child , erect , unquailing , and ready to suffer]_{5648-a little child , erect , unquailing , and ready to suffer} ; insensible of humiliation because unconscious of sin ; and so tutored by severity and exposure that [she]_0-her had as yet none of the shy shame and the fugitive shrinking of [her]_0-her sex . [She]_0-her had only the boldness to bear , the courage to be silent , which [she]_0-her had had when [she]_0-her had stood amongst the same tall lilies , in the same summer radiance , in the years of [her]_0-her helpless infancy . [She]_0-her uncovered [herself]_0-her to the lash as [a brave hound crouches to it]_{5649-a brave hound crouches to it} ; not from inborn cowardice , but simply from the habit of obedience and of endurance . [He]_5650-his had used [her]_0-her as [the Greeks the Helots]_{5651-the greeks the helots} ; [he]_5650-his always beat [her]_0-her , when [she]_0-her was at fault , to teach [her]_0-her to be faultless ; and , when without offence , beat [her]_0-her to remind [her]_0-her that [she]_0-her was [the offspring of humiliation]_{5652-the offspring of humiliation} , and [a slave]_{5533-a slave} . [He]_5650-his took , as [he]_5650-his had taken in an earlier time , a thick rope which lay coiled upon the turf ready for the binding of some straying boughs ; and struck [her]_0-her with it , slowly . [His]_5650-his arm had lost somewhat of its strength , and [his]_5650-his power was unequal to [his]_5650-his will . Still rage for the loss of [his]_5650-his copper pieces , and the sense that [she]_0-her had discovered the fraudulent intention of [his]_5650-his small knavery , lent force to [his]_5650-his feebleness ; as the scourge whistled through the air and descended on [her]_0-her shoulders it left bruised , swollen marks to stamp its passage , and curling , adder‐like , bit and drew blood . Yet to the end [she]_0-her stood mute and motionless , as [she]_0-her had stood in [her]_0-her childhood ; not a nerve quivered , not a limb flinched : the colour rushed over [her]_0-her bent face and [her]_0-her bare chest , but [she]_0-her never made a movement ; [she]_0-her never gave a sound . When [his]_5650-his arm dropped from sheer exhaustion , [she]_0-her still said not one word ; [she]_0-her drew tight once more the sash about [her]_0-her waist , and fastened afresh the linen of [her]_0-her bodice . The bruised and wounded flesh smarted and ached and throbbed ; but [she]_0-her was used to such pain , and bore it as [their]_5654-their wounds were borne by [the women of the Spartan games]_{5655-the women of the spartan games} . “_[1373-you] [Your]_1385-you two sous have brought [you]_1385-you bitterness , ” [he]_5650-his muttered with a smile . “_[1385-you] [You]_1385-you will scarce find [my]_0-her fruit rotten again in haste . There are bread and beans within ; go get a meal ; [I]_0-her want [the mule]_{1386-the mule} to take flour to [Barbizène]_{28-barbizène} . ” [She]_0-her did not go within to eat ; the bruises and the burning of [her]_0-her skin made [her]_0-her feel sick and weak . [She]_0-her went away and cast [herself]_0-her at full length in the shade of the long grasses of [the orchard]_{1190-the orchard} ; resting [her]_0-her chin upon [her]_0-her hands , cooling [her]_0-her aching breast against the soft damp moss ; thinking , thinking , thinking , of what [she]_0-her hardly knew , except , indeed , that [she]_0-her wished that [she]_0-her were dead , like the bird [she]_0-her had covered with the leaves . [He]_5650-his did not leave [her]_0-her long to even so much peace as this ; [his]_5650-his shrill voice soon called [her]_0-her from [her]_0-her rest ; [he]_5650-his bade [her]_0-her get ready the mule and go . [She]_0-her obeyed . [The animal]_{5657-the animal} was saddled with [his]_5650-his wooden pack ; as many sacks as [he]_5650-his could carry were piled upon the framework ; [she]_0-her put [her]_0-her hand upon [his]_5650-his bridle , and set out to walk to [Barbizène]_{28-barbizène} which was [two leagues away]_{5658-two leagues away} . “_{[1386-the mule]} Work is the only thing to drive the devil that begat [her]_1387-her out of [her]_1387-her , ” muttered [the miller]_{280-the miller} , as [he]_{280-the miller} watched [the old mule]_{5660-the old mule} pace down [the narrow , tree‐shadowed road]_{5661-the narrow , tree‐shadowed road} that led across [the fields]_{316-the fields} : and [he]_{280-the miller} believed that [he]_{280-the miller} did rightly in this treatment of [her]_1387-her . It gratified the sharp hard cruelty of temper in [him]_{280-the miller} , indeed , but [he]_{280-the miller} did not think that in such self‐indulgence [he]_{280-the miller} ever erred . [He]_{280-the miller} was [a bitter , cunning , miserly old man , whose solitary tenderness of feeling and honesty of pride had been rooted out for ever]_{5663-a bitter , cunning , miserly old man , whose solitary tenderness of feeling and honesty of pride had been rooted out for ever} when [he]_{280-the miller} had learned the dishonour of [the woman whom [he]_{280-the miller} had deemed [a saint]_{4870-a saint}]_{5664-the woman whom he had deemed a saint} . In the ten years of time which had passed since first [the little brown large‐eyed child]_{5666-the little brown large‐eyed child} had been sent to seek asylum with [him]_{280-the miller} , [he]_{280-the miller} had grown harder and keener and more severe with each day that rose . [Her]_1387-her presence was abhorrent to [him]_{280-the miller} , though [he]_{280-the miller} kept [her]_1387-her , partly from a savage sense of duty , partly from the persuasion that [she]_1387-her had the power in [her]_1387-her to make the strongest and [the cheapest slave [he]_{280-the miller} had ever owned]_{5667-the cheapest slave he had ever owned} . For the rest , [he]_{280-the miller} sincerely and devoutly believed that [the devil , in some witchery of human guise]_{5668-the devil , in some witchery of human guise} , had polluted [[his]_{280-the miller} daughter]_{502-his daughter} ’s body and soul , and that it was by [the foul fiend]_{4863-the foul fiend} and by [no earthly lover]_{5671-no earthly lover} that [she]_1387-her had conceived and borne [the creature who now abode with [him]_{280-the miller}]_{5672-the creature who now abode with him} . Perhaps , also , as was but natural , [he]_{280-the miller} sometime felt more furious against [this offspring of hell]_{764-this offspring of hell} because ever and again [some gleam of fantastic inborn honour]_{5674-some gleam of fantastic inborn honour} , some strange savage instinct of honesty , would awake in [her]_1387-her and oppose [him]_{280-the miller} , and make [him]_{280-the miller} ashamed of those small and secret sins of chicanery wherein [his]_{280-the miller} soul delighted , and for which [he]_{280-the miller} compounded with [[his]_{280-the miller} gods]_{5675-his gods} . [He]_{280-the miller} had left [her]_1387-her mind a blank , because [he]_{280-the miller} thought the body laboured hardest when the brain was still asleep , which is true ; [she]_1387-her could not read ; [she]_1387-her could not write ; [she]_1387-her knew absolutely nothing . Yet there was a soul awake in [her]_1387-her ; there were innumerable thoughts and dreams brooding in [her]_1387-her fathomless eyes ; there was a desire in [her]_1387-her , fierce and unslaked , for some other life than this life of the packhorse and of [the day labourer]_{5676-the day labourer} which alone [she]_1387-her knew . [He]_{280-the miller} had done [his]_{280-the miller} best to degrade and to brutalise [her]_1387-her , and in much [he]_{280-the miller} had succeeded ; but [he]_{280-the miller} had not succeeded wholly . There was a liberty in [her]_1387-her that escaped [his]_{280-the miller} thraldom ; there was a soul in [her]_1387-her that resisted the deadening influence of [her]_1387-her existence . [She]_1387-her had none of the shame of [her]_1387-her sex ; [she]_1387-her had none of the timorous instincts of womanhood . [She]_1387-her had a savage stubborn courage , and [she]_1387-her was insensible of the daily outrages of [her]_1387-her life . [She]_1387-her would strip bare to [his]_{280-the miller} word obediently , feeling only that it would be feeble and worthless to dread the pain of the lash . [She]_1387-her would bathe in [the woodland pool]_{5677-the woodland pool} , remembering no more that [she]_1387-her might be watched by human eyes than does [the young tigress that has never beheld the face of [man]_4882-man]_{5678-the young tigress that has never beheld the face of man} . In all this [she]_1387-her was brutalised and degraded by [[her]_1387-her tyrant]_{5680-her tyrant} ’s bondage : in other things [she]_1387-her was far higher than [he]_{280-the miller} , and escaped [him]_{280-the miller} . Stupefied as [her]_1387-her mind might be by the exhaustion of severe physical labour , it had still irony and it had still imagination ; and under the hottest heats of temptation there were two things which by sheer instinct [she]_1387-her resisted , and resisted so that neither of [them]_5681-them had ever been forced on [her]_1387-her — they were falsehood and fear . “_[1385-you] It is the infamous strength of the devil ! ” said [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , when [he]_{115-claudis flamma} found that [he]_{115-claudis flamma} could not force [her]_1387-her to deviate from the truth . [The world]_{268-the world} says the same of [those who will not feed it with lies]_{5683-those who will not feed it with lies} . THAT long dry summer was followed by an autumn of drought and scarcity . The prayers of [the priests]_{514-the priests} and [peoples]_5685-peoples failed to bring down rain . [The wooden Christs]_{5686-the wooden christs} gazed all day long on [parching lands]_{5687-parching lands} and panting cattle . Even [the broad deep rivers]_{5688-the broad deep rivers} shrank and left [their]_{5688-the broad deep rivers} banks to bake and stink in the long drought . [The orchards]_{5138-the orchards} sickened for lack of moisture , and [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} went about with feverish faces , ague‐stricken limbs , and trembling hearts . The corn yielded ill in the hard scorched ground , and when the winter came it was a time of dire scarcity and distress . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} and [a few others like [him]_{115-claudis flamma}]_{5691-a few others like him} alone prospered . [[The mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} at [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} served many purposes . It was [a granary]_{5694-a granary} , [a market]_{5695-a market} , [[a baker]_{5696-a baker} ’s shop]_{5697-a baker ’s shop} , [[an usurer]_{5698-an usurer} ’s den]_{5699-an usurer ’s den} , all in one . [It]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} looked a simple and innocent place . In the summer time [it]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} was peaceful and lovely , green and dark and still , with the blue sky above [it]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} , and the songs of birds all around ; with [its]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} old black timbers , and [its]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} many‐coloured orchards , and [its pretty leafy gardens]_{5700-its pretty leafy gardens} , and [its]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} grey walls washed by [the hurrying stream]_{5701-the hurrying stream} . But in the winter [it]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} was very dreary , utterly lonely . [The water]_{265-the water} roared , and the leafless trees groaned in the wind , and the great leaden clouds of rain or fog enveloped [it]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} duskily . To [the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} , [it]_{5693-the mill‐house at yprès} seemed desolate and terrible . [They]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} dreaded with a great dread the sharp voice of [its master]_{5320-its master} — the hardest and the shrewdest and [the closest fisted Norman of [them]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} all]_{5705-the closest fisted norman of them all} . For [they]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} were [most of [them]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} [[his]_{5320-its master} debtors]_{718-his debtors}]_{5706-most of them his debtors} , and so were in a bitter subjugation to [him]_{5320-its master} , and had to pay those debts as best [they]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} might with [their]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} labour or [their]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} suffering ; with the best of all [their]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} wool , or oil , or fruit ; often with the last bit of silver that had been an heirloom for five centuries , or with the last bit of money buried away in an old pitcher under [their]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} apple tree to be the nest egg of [[their]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} little pet daughter]_{5708-their little pet daughter} ’s dowry . And yet [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} was respected among [them]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} ; for [he]_{115-claudis flamma} could outwit [them]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} , and was believed to be very wealthy , and was [a man who stood well with the good saints and with holy Church:—a wise man]_{5709-a man who stood well with the good saints and with holy church:—a wise man} , in a word , with whom [these northern folks]_{5710-these northern folks} had the kinship of mutual industry and avarice . For the most part [the population around [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{5711-the population around yprès} was thrifty and thriving in a cautious , patient , certain way of well‐doing ; and , by this portion of it , [the silent old miser]_{5712-the silent old miser} was much honoured as [man]_4882-man laborious and penurious , who chose to live on a leek and a rye loaf , but who must have , it was well known , put by large gains in the thatch of [his]_{5320-its master} roof or under the bricks of [[his]_{5320-its master} kitchen]_{576-his kitchen} . By [the smaller section of [it]_{5711-the population around yprès}]_{5715-the smaller section of it} — poor , unthrifty , loose‐handed fools — who belied the province of [their]_{5715-the smaller section of it} birth so far as to be quick to spend and slow to save , and who therefore fell into want and famine and had to borrow of [others]_5531-others [[their]_{5703-the starving , wet , and woe‐begone peasants who would go to it with aching bones and aching hearts} children]_{768-their children} ’s bread , [the old miller]_{269-the old miller} was hated with a hate deeper and stronger because forced to be mute , and to submit , to cringe , and to be trod upon , in the miserable servitude of [the hopeless debtor]_{5719-the hopeless debtor} . In the hard winter which followed on that sickly autumn [these]_5720-their and [[their]_5720-their like]_{5721-their like} fell farther in the mire of poverty than ever , and had to come and beg of Flamma loans of the commonest necessaries of [their]_5720-their bare living . [They]_5720-their knew that [they]_5720-their would have to pay a hundredfold in horrible extortion when the spring and summer should bring [them]_5720-their work , and give [them]_5720-their fruit on [their]_5720-their trees and crops on [[their]_5720-their little fields]_{5722-their little fields} ; but [they]_5720-their could do no better . It had been for many years the custom to go to [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} in such need ; and being never quit of [his]_{5719-the hopeless debtor} hold , [[his]_{5719-the hopeless debtor} debtors]_{718-his debtors} never could try for aid elsewhere . The weather towards the season of Noel became frightfully severe ; the mill stream never stopped , but all around [it]_5724-it was frozen , and [the swamped pastures]_{5725-the swamped pastures} were sheets of ice . The birds died by thousands in [the open country]_{5304-the open country} , and several of the sheep perished in snow storms on [the higher lands]_{5727-the higher lands} . There was dire want in many of [the hovels and [homesteads]_{763-homesteads}]_{5728-the hovels and homesteads} , and the bare harvests of [a district]_{5730-a district} , usually so opulent in the riches of the soil , brought trouble and dearth in [their]_5720-their train . Sickness prevailed because [the old people]_{5731-the old people} and [the children]_{452-the children} in [their]_5720-their hunger ate berries and roots unfit for human food ; the waters swelled , the ice melted , and [many homes]_{5733-many homes} were flooded , and some even swept away . [Old Pitchou]_147-pitchou and [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} alone were content ; [the mill wheel]_{5734-the mill wheel} never stopped work , and famine prices could be asked for in this extremity . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} worked all that winter , day after day , month after month , with scarcely a word being spoken to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , or scarcely an hour being left [her]_{104-folle‐farine} that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could claim as [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} looked against the snow as strangely as a scarlet rose blossoming in frost there could have done ; but [the people that came to and fro]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} , even [the young men amongst [them]_{5735-the people that came to and fro}]_{5736-the young men amongst them} , were too used to that dark vivid silent face of [hers]_{104-folle‐farine} , and those lithe brown limbs that had the supple play and the golden glow of the East in [them]_5737-them , to notice [them]_5737-them as any loveliness ; and if [they]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} did note [them]_5737-them on some rare time , thought of [them]_5737-them only as the marks of [a vagrant and accursed race]_{5738-a vagrant and accursed race} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was so unlike to [themselves]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} that [the northern peasantry]_{5739-the northern peasantry} never dreamed of seeing beauty in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [they]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} turned [their]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} heads away when [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went by , striding after [her]_{104-folle‐farine} mule or bearing [her]_{104-folle‐farine} pitcher from the well with the free and vigorous grace of a mountain or desert‐born creature . The sheepskin girt about [her]_{104-folle‐farine} loins , the red kerchief knotted to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , the loose lithe movements of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} beautiful limbs , the sullen fire and fierce dreams in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} musing eyes,—all these were so unlike [themselves]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} that [they]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} saw nothing in [them]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} except what was awful or unlovely . Half the winter went by without a kind word to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} from any one except such as in that time of suffering and scarcity [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} spoke to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . So had every winter gone since [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had come [there]_439-there — a time so long ago that the memory of [Phratos]_121-phratos had become so dim to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} often doubted if [he]_121-phratos also were not a mere shadow of a dream like all the rest . Half the winter [she]_{104-folle‐farine} fared hardly and ate sparingly , and did the work of the mule and [the bullocks]_{5741-the bullocks} : indifferent and knowing no better , and only staring at the stars when they throbbed in the black skies on a frosty night , and wondering if [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would ever go to [them]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} , or if [they]_{5735-the people that came to and fro} would ever come to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} — those splendid and familiar yet unknown things that looked on all the misery of [the earth]_{288-the earth} , and shone on tranquilly and did not seem to care . Time came close on to the new year , and the distress and the cold were together at their height . The weather was terrible ; and [the poor]_{5743-the poor} suffered immeasurably . A score of times a‐day [she]_{104-folle‐farine} heard [them]_{5743-the poor} ask bread at [the mill]_{281-the mill} , and a score of time saw [them]_{5743-the poor} given a stone ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw [them]_{5743-the poor} come in the raw fog , pinched and shivering , and sick with ague , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} grandsire]_{5446-her grandsire} deny [them]_{5743-the poor} with a grating sarcasm or two , or take from [them]_{5743-the poor} fifty times its value for some niggard grant of food . “_[1385-you] Why should [I]_0-her think of it , why should [I]_0-her care ? ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said to [herself]_0-her ; and yet [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did both , and could not help it . There was among [the sufferers]_{5746-the sufferers} [one old and poor]_{5747-one old and poor} , who lived not far from [the mill]_{281-the mill} , by name [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was [a little old hardy brown woman , shrivelled and bent , yet strong , with bright eyes like a robin ’s , and a tough frame]_{5749-a little old hardy brown woman , shrivelled and bent , yet strong , with bright eyes like a robin ’s , and a tough frame} , eighty years old . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had been southern born , and [the wife of [a stone cutter]_{5751-a stone cutter}]_{5750-the wife of a stone cutter} ; [he]_{5751-a stone cutter} had been dead fifty years , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had seen [all [her]_{104-folle‐farine} sons]_{5752-all her sons} and [daughters]_{5753-daughters} and [[their]_{5743-the poor} offspring]_{5754-their offspring} die too ; and had now , left on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hand to rear , [four young great‐grandchildren]_{5755-four young great‐grandchildren} , [almost infants]_{5756-almost infants} , who were always crying to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} for food as new‐born birds cry in [their]_{5755-four young great‐grandchildren} nests . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} washed a little , when [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could get any linen to wash , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} span , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} picked up the acorns and the nuts , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} tilled a small plot of ground that belonged to [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} hut]_{5757-her hut} , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} grew cabbages and potatoes and herbs on it , and so kept a roof over [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , and fed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} four nestlings , and trotted to and fro in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} wooden shoes all day long , and worked in hail and rain , in drought and tempest , and never complained , but said that [God]_118-god was good to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was anxious about [the children]_{452-the children} , knowing [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could not live long — that was all . But then [she]_{104-folle‐farine} felt sure that [the Mother of [God]_118-god]_{5759-the mother of god} would take care of [them]_{452-the children} , and so was cheerful ; and did what the day brought [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to do , and was content . Now on [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} , as on thousands of others , the unusual severity of the winter fell like a knife . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was only one amongst [thousands]_{5760-thousands} . [Nobody]_5761-nobody noticed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; still it was hard . All the springs near [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} dwelling]_{5762-her dwelling} were frozen for many weeks ; there was no well nearer than half a league ; and half a league out and half a league back every other day over ground sharp and slippery with ice , with two heavy pails to carry , is not a little when one is over eighty , and has only a wisp of woollen serge between the wind and one ’s withered limbs . The acorns and horse‐chestnuts had all been disputed with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} fiercely by [boys rough and swift]_{5763-boys rough and swift} , who foresaw a time coming in which [their]_{5763-boys rough and swift} pigs would be ill‐fed . The roots in [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} little garden plot]_{5764-her little garden plot} were all black and killed by the cold . The nettles had been all gathered and stewed and eaten . The snow drove in through a big hole in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} roof . [The woods]_{344-the woods} were ransacked for every bramble and broken bough by [reivers younger and more agile than [herself]_{104-folle‐farine}]_{5766-reivers younger and more agile than herself} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had nothing to eat , nothing to burn . [The children]_{452-the children} lay in [their]_{452-the children} little beds of hay and cried all day long for food , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had none to give [them]_{452-the children} . “_[0-her] If it were only [myself]_0-her ! ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought , stopping [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ears not to hear [them]_{452-the children} ; if it had been only [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} it would have been so easy to creep away into the corner among the dry grass , and to lie still till the cold froze the pains of hunger and made [them]_{452-the children} quiet ; and to feel numb and tired , and yet glad that it was all over , and to murmur that [God]_118-god was good , and so to let death come — content . But it was not only [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} . [The poor]_{5743-the poor} are seldom so fortunate — [they]_{5743-the poor} [themselves]_{5743-the poor} would say so unhappy — as to be alone in [[their]_{5743-the poor} homes]_{5236-their homes} . There were the four small lives left to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} by [the poor dead foolish things [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had loved,—small lives that had been rosy even on so much hunger , and blithe even amidst so much cold]_{5770-the poor dead foolish things she had loved,—small lives that had been rosy even on so much hunger , and blithe even amidst so much cold} ; that had been mirthful even at the flooding of the snowdrift , and happy even over a meal of mouldy crusts , or of hips and haws from the hedges . Had been — until now , when even so much as this could not be got , and when [their]_{452-the children} beds of hay were soaked through with snow‐water ; now — when [they]_{452-the children} were quite silent , except when [they]_{452-the children} sobbed out a cry for bread . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her am eighty‐two years old , and [I]_0-her have never since [I]_0-her was born asked [man]_4882-man or [woman]_339-woman for help , or owed [man]_4882-man or [woman]_339-woman a copper coin , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought , sitting by [her]_{104-folle‐farine} black hearth , across which the howling wind drove , and stopping [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ears to shut out [the children]_{452-the children} ’s cries . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had often known severe winters , scanty food , bitter living,—she had scores of times in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} long years been as famished as this , and as cold , and [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} house]_{5772-her house} had been as desolate . Yet [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had borne it all and never asked for an alms , being strong and ignorant , and being also in fear of [the world]_{268-the world} , and holding a debt a great shame . But now [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} must do it , or let [those children]_{5774-those children} perish ; being [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} old and past work , and having seen all [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} sons]_{5775-her sons} die out in [their]_{5775-her sons} strength before [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . The struggle was long and hard with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} would have to die soon , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had striven all [her]_{104-folle‐farine} lifetime so to live that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} might die saying , “_[0-her] [I]_0-her have asked nothing of [any man]_{4852-any man} . ” This perhaps , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought sadly , had been only a pride after all ; a feeling foolish and wicked , that [the good God]_{4851-the good god} sought now to chasten . Any way [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} must yield it up and go and ask for something ; or else those four small things , that were like a cluster of red berries on a leafless tree , must suffer and must perish . “_[0-her] It is bitter , but [I]_0-her must do it , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought . “_[0-her] Sure it is strange that [the good God]_{4851-the good god} cares to take any of [us]_1394-us to [himself]_{4851-the good god} through so sharp a way as hunger . It seems , if [I]_0-her saw [His]_{4851-the good god} face now , [I]_0-her should say , ‘ Not heaven for [me]_0-her , [Monseigneur]_{149-monseigneur} : only bread and a little wood . ’ ” And [she]_{104-folle‐farine} rose up on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bent stiff limbs , and went to the pile of hay on which [the children]_{452-the children} were lying , pale and thin , but trying to smile , all of [them]_{452-the children} , because [they]_{452-the children} saw the tears on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} cheeks . “_{[1395-my treasures]} Be still , [[my]_0-her treasures]_{1395-my treasures} , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said to [them]_{452-the children} , striving to speak cheerily , and laying [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands on the curls of [the eldest born]_{5778-the eldest born} ; “_[0-her] [I]_0-her go away for a little while to try and get [you]_1396-you food . Be good , [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} , and take care of [them]_{1395-my treasures} till [I]_0-her come back . ” [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} promised , being four years old [himself]_{150-bernardou} ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} crept out of the little black door of [the hut]_{5779-the hut} into [the white road]_{5780-the white road} and the rushing winds . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her will go to [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said to [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} . It was three in the afternoon , nearly dark at the season of midwinter . The business of the day was done . [The people]_{4948-the people} had come and gone , favoured or denied , according to such sureties as [they]_{4948-the people} could offer . The great wheel worked on in the seething water ; [the master of [the mill]_{281-the mill}]_{5782-the master of the mill} sat against the casement to catch the falling light , adding up the sums in [his]_{5782-the master of the mill} ledger — crooked little signs such as [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} had taught [himself]_{5782-the master of the mill} to understand , though [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} could form neither numerals nor letters with [his]_{5782-the master of the mill} pen . All around [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} in [the storehouses]_{5784-the storehouses} there were corn , wood , wool , [stores of every sort of food]_{5785-stores of every sort of food} . All around [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} , in [the room [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} lived in]_{5786-the room he lived in} , there were hung the salt meats , the sweet herbs , and the dried fruits , that [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} had saved from the profusion of other and healthier years . It pleased [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} to know that [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} held all that , and also withheld it . It moved [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} with a certain saturnine glee to see the hungry wistful eyes of [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} stare longingly at all those riches , whilst [their]_{703-the peasants} white lips faltered out an entreaty — which [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} denied . It was what [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} liked ; to sit there and count [his]_{5782-the master of the mill} gains after [his]_{5782-the master of the mill} fashion , and look at [[his]_{5782-the master of the mill} stores]_{5788-his stores} and listen to the howling wind and driving hail , and to chuckle to think how lean and cold and sick [they]_{703-the peasants} were outside — [those fools who had mocked [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} because [[his]_{5782-the master of the mill} saint]_{5790-his saint} had been [a gipsy ’s leman]_{5791-a gipsy ’s leman}]_{5789-those fools who had mocked him because his saint had been a gipsy ’s leman} . To be prayed to for bread , and give the stone of a bitter denial ; to be implored with tears of supplication , and to answer with a grim jest ; to see [a woman]_{4876-a woman} come with [children dying for food]_{5793-children dying for food} , and to point out to [her]_{4876-a woman} the big brass pans full of milk , and say to [her]_{4876-a woman} , “_[0-her] All that makes butter for [Paris]_10-paris , ” and then to see [her]_{4876-a woman} go away wailing and moaning that [[her]_{4876-a woman} child]_{4931-her child} would die , and tottering feebly through the snow — all this was sweet to [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} . Before [[his]_{5782-the master of the mill} daughter]_{502-his daughter} had gone from [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} , [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} had been , though [a hard man]_{5796-a hard man} , yet honest , and had been , though severe , not cruel ; but since [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} had been aware of the shame of [the creature whom [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} had believed in as [an angel]_{5798-an angel}]_{5797-the creature whom he had believed in as an angel} , every fibre in [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} had been embittered and salted sharp with the poignancy of an acrid hate towards all living things . To hurt and to wound , and to see what [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} thus struck bleed and suffer , was the only pleasure life had left for [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} . [He]_{5782-the master of the mill} had all [his]_{5782-the master of the mill} manhood walked justly , according to [his]_{5782-the master of the mill} light , and trusted in [the God to whom [he]_{5782-the master of the mill} prayed]_{5799-the god to whom he prayed} ; and [[his]_{5782-the master of the mill} God]_{5800-his god} and [his]_{5782-the master of the mill} trust had denied and betrayed [him]_{5782-the master of the mill} , and [his]_{5782-the master of the mill} heart had turned to gall . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} toiled slowly through [the roads which lay between [[her]_{334-the old woman} hut]_{5757-her hut} and [the water‐mill]_{5804-the water‐mill}]_{5802-the roads which lay between her hut and the water‐mill} . [They]_{5802-the roads which lay between her hut and the water‐mill} were roads which passed through [meadows]_5805-meadows and along [corn‐fields]_{5806-corn‐fields} , beside streamlets , and amongst [little belts of woodland]_{5807-little belts of woodland} , [lanes and paths]_{5808-lanes and paths} green and pleasant in the summer , but now a slough of frozen mud , and whistled through by north‐east winds . [She]_{334-the old woman} held on [her]_{334-the old woman} way steadily , stumbling often , and often slipping and going slowly , for [she]_{334-the old woman} was very feeble from long lack of food , and the intensity of the cold drove through and through [her]_{334-the old woman} frame . Still [she]_{334-the old woman} held on , bravely , in the teeth of the rough winds and of the coming darkness , though the weather was so wild that the poplar trees were bent to the earth , and the little light in the Calvary lamp by [the river]_{356-the river} blew to and fro , and at last died out . Still [she]_{334-the old woman} held on , [a little dark tottering figure]_{5810-a little dark tottering figure} , with a prayer on [her]_{334-the old woman} lips and a hope in [her]_{334-the old woman} heart . The snow was falling , the clouds were driving , the waters were roaring in the twilight : [she]_{334-the old woman} was only a little black speck in the vast grey waste of [the earth]_{288-the earth} and the sky , and the furious air tossed [her]_{334-the old woman} at times to and fro like a withered leaf . But [she]_{334-the old woman} would not let it beat [her]_{334-the old woman} ; [she]_{334-the old woman} groped [her]_{334-the old woman} way with infinite difficulty , grasping a bough for strength , or waiting under a tree for breath a moment , and thus at last reached [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} . Such light as there was left showed [her]_{334-the old woman} [the kitchen within]_{5813-the kitchen within} , the stores of wood , the strings of food ; it looked to [her]_{334-the old woman} as [it]_5814-it had looked to [Phratos]_121-phratos , [a place of comfort and of plenty]_{5815-a place of comfort and of plenty} ; a strong safe shelter from the inclement night . [She]_{334-the old woman} lifted the latch and crept in , and went straight to [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , who was still busy beneath the window with those rude signs which represented to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} [his]_{115-claudis flamma} earthly wealth . [She]_{334-the old woman} stood before [him]_{115-claudis flamma} white from the falling snow , with [her]_{334-the old woman} brown face working with a strong emotion , [her]_{334-the old woman} eyes clear and honest , and full of an intense anxiety of appeal . “_{[115-claudis flamma]} [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , ” [she]_{334-the old woman} said simply to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , “_{[115-claudis flamma]} [we]_1397-we have been neighbours fifty years and more — [thou]_1398-he and [I]_0-her , and many have borrowed of [thee]_1398-he to [their]_1399-their hurt and shame , but [I]_0-her never . [I]_0-her am eighty‐two , and [I]_0-her never in [my]_0-her days asked anything of [man]_4882-man or [woman]_339-woman or [child]_1265-child . But [I]_0-her come to‐night to ask bread of you,—bread for [the four little children]_{1403-the four little children} at [home]_497-home . [I]_0-her have heard [them]_{1403-the four little children} cry three days , and have had nothing to give [them]_{1403-the four little children} save a berry or two off the trees . [I]_0-her can not bear it any more . So [I]_0-her have come to [you]_1398-he . ” [He]_1398-he shut [his]_1398-he ledger , and looked at [her]_0-her . [They]_{1403-the four little children} had been [neighbours]_{5816-neighbours} , as [she]_0-her had said , half a century and more ; and had often knelt down before the same altar , side by side . “_[0-her] What dost want ? ” [he]_1398-he asked simply . “_[0-her] Food , ” [she]_0-her made answer ; “_[0-her] food and fuel . [They]_{1403-the four little children} are so cold — [the little ones]_{1405-the little ones} . ” “_{[1403-the four little children]} What canst pay for [them]_{1403-the four little children} ? ” [he]_1398-he asked . “_{[1403-the four little children]} Nothing — nothing now . There is not a thing in [the house]_{323-the house} except the last hay [the children]_{452-the children} sleep on . But if [thou]_1408-her wilt let [me]_0-her have a little — just a little — while the weather is so hard , [I]_0-her will find means to pay when the weather breaks . There is [[my]_0-her garden]_{1409-my garden} ; and [I]_0-her can wash and spin . [I]_0-her will pay faithfully . [Thou]_1408-her knowest [I]_0-her never owed a brass coin to [any man]_{4852-any man} . But [I]_0-her am so old , and [the children]_{452-the children} are so young — ” [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} got up and walked to the other side of [the kitchen]_{5817-the kitchen} . [Her]_1408-her eyes followed [him]_{115-claudis flamma} with wistful , hungry longing . Where [he]_{115-claudis flamma} went there stood pans of new milk , baskets of eggs , rolls of bread , piles of faggots . [Her]_1408-her feeble heart beat thickly with eager hope , [her]_1408-her dim eyes glowed with pleasure and with thankfulness . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} came back and brought to [her]_1408-her a few sharp rods , plucked from a thorn tree . “_[0-her] Give these to [[thy]_1408-her children ’s children]_{1412-thy children ’s children} , ” [he]_{115-claudis flamma} said , with a dark smile . “_[0-her] For these — and for no more — will [they]_{1412-thy children ’s children} recompense [thee]_1408-her when [they]_{1412-thy children ’s children} shall grow to maturity . ” [She]_1408-her looked at [him]_{115-claudis flamma} startled and disquieted , yet thinking that [he]_{115-claudis flamma} meant but a stern jest . “_{[115-claudis flamma]} Good [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , [you]_{115-claudis flamma} mock [me]_0-her , ” [she]_1408-her murmured , trembling ; “_{[115-claudis flamma]} [the babes]_{1413-the babes} are little and good . Ah , give [me]_0-her food quickly , for [God]_118-god ’s sake ! A jest is well in season , but to [an empty body and a bitter heart]_{1414-an empty body and a bitter heart} it is like a stripe . ” [He]_{115-claudis flamma} smiled , and answered [her]_1408-her in this harsh grating voice , “_[0-her] [I]_0-her give [thee]_1408-her the only thing given without payment in [this world]_{1415-this world} — advice . Take it or leave it . ” [She]_1408-her reeled a little as if [he]_{115-claudis flamma} had struck [her]_1408-her a blow with [his]_{115-claudis flamma} fist , and [her]_1408-her face changed terribly , whilst [her]_1408-her eyes stared without light or sense in them . “_{[115-claudis flamma]} [You]_{115-claudis flamma} jest , [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} ! [You]_{115-claudis flamma} only jest ! ” [she]_1408-her muttered . “_{[115-claudis flamma]} [The little children]_{442-the little children} starve , [I]_0-her tell [you]_{115-claudis flamma} . [You]_{115-claudis flamma} will give [me]_0-her bread for [them]_{442-the little children} ? Just a little bread ? [I]_0-her will pay as soon as the weather breaks . ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her can give nothing . [I]_0-her am poor , very poor , ” [he]_{115-claudis flamma} answered [her]_1408-her , with the habitual lie of [the miser]_{5818-the miser} ; and [he]_{115-claudis flamma} opened [his]_{115-claudis flamma} ledger again , and went on counting up the dots and crosses by which [he]_{115-claudis flamma} kept [his]_{115-claudis flamma} books . [[His]_{115-claudis flamma} servant]_{5819-his servant} [Pitchou]_147-pitchou sat spinning by the hearth : [she]_147-pitchou did not cease [her]_147-pitchou work , nor intercede by a word . [The poor]_{5743-the poor} can be better to [the poor]_{5743-the poor} than [any princes]_{5822-any princes} ; but [the poor]_{5743-the poor} can also be more cruel to [the poor]_{5743-the poor} than [any slave drivers]_{5825-any slave drivers} . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} ’s head dropped on [her]_{334-the old woman} breast , [she]_{334-the old woman} turned feebly , and felt [her]_{334-the old woman} way , as though [she]_{334-the old woman} were blind , out of [the house]_{323-the house} and into the air . It was already dark with the darkness of descending night . The snow was falling fast . [Her]_{334-the old woman} hope was gone : all was cold — cold as death . [She]_{334-the old woman} shivered and gasped , and strove to totter on : [the children]_{452-the children} were alone . The winds blew and drove the snow flakes in a white cloud against [her]_{334-the old woman} face ; the bending trees creaked and groaned as though in pain ; the roar of the mill‐water filled the air . There was now no light : the day was gone , and the moon was hidden ; beneath [her]_{334-the old woman} feet the frozen earth cracked and slipped and gave way . [She]_{334-the old woman} fell down ; being so old and so weakly [she]_{334-the old woman} could not rise again , but lay still with one limb broken under [her]_{334-the old woman} , and the winds and the storm beating together upon [her]_{334-the old woman} . “_{[452-the children]} [The children]_{452-the children} ! [the children]_{452-the children} ! ” [she]_{334-the old woman} moaned feebly , and then was still : [she]_{334-the old woman} was so cold , and the snow fell so fast ; [she]_{334-the old woman} could not lift [herself]_{334-the old woman} nor see what was around [her]_{334-the old woman} ; [she]_{334-the old woman} thought that [she]_{334-the old woman} was in [her]_{334-the old woman} bed at [home]_497-home , and felt as though [she]_{334-the old woman} would soon sleep . Through the dense gloom around [her]_{334-the old woman} there came a swiftly moving shape , that flew as silently and as quickly as a night bird , and paused as though on wings beside [her]_{334-the old woman} . A voice that was at one timid and fierce , tender and savage , spoke to [her]_{334-the old woman} through the clouds of driven snow spray . “_{[452-the children]} [Hush]_151-hush , it is [I]_0-her ! [I]_0-her — [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [I]_0-her have brought [you]_{104-folle‐farine} [my]_0-her food . It is not much — [they]_1419-they never give [me]_0-her much . Still it will help a little . [I]_0-her heard what [you]_{104-folle‐farine} said — [I]_0-her was in [the loft]_{1420-the loft} . [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} must not know ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} might make [you]_{104-folle‐farine} pay . But it is all mine , truly mine , take it . ” “_{[115-claudis flamma]} Food — for [the children]_{452-the children} ! ” The blessed word aroused [her]_{334-the old woman} from [her]_{334-the old woman} lethargy ; [she]_{334-the old woman} raised [herself]_{334-the old woman} a little on one arm , and tried to see whence the voice came that spoke to [her]_{334-the old woman} . But the effort exhausted [her]_{334-the old woman} ; [she]_{334-the old woman} fell again to the ground with a groan — [her]_{334-the old woman} limb was broken . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} stood above [her]_{334-the old woman} ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} dark eyes gleaming like a hawk ’s through the gloom , and full of a curious , startled pity . “_{[115-claudis flamma]} [You]_{104-folle‐farine} can not get up ; [you]_{104-folle‐farine} are old , ” [she]_0-her said , abruptly . “_{[104-folle‐farine]} See — let [me]_0-her carry [you]_{104-folle‐farine} [home]_497-home . [The children]_{452-the children} ! yes , [the children]_{452-the children} can have it . It is not much ; but it will serve . ” [She]_0-her spoke hastily and roughly ; [she]_0-her was ashamed of [her]_0-her own compassion . What was it to [her]_0-her , whether [any of [these people]_{5831-these people}]_{5830-any of these people} lived or died ? [They]_{5831-these people} had always mocked and hated [her]_0-her . “_[0-her] If [I]_0-her did right , [I]_0-her should let [them]_{452-the children} rot , and spit on [their]_{452-the children} corpses , ” [she]_0-her thought , with the ferocity of vengeance that ran in [her]_0-her oriental blood . Yet [she]_0-her had come out in the storm , and had brought away [her]_0-her food for [strangers]_{5832-strangers} , though [she]_0-her had been at work all day long , and was chilled to the bone , and was devoured with a ravenous hunger . Why did [she]_0-her do it ? [She]_0-her did not know . [She]_0-her scorned [herself]_0-her . But [she]_0-her was sorry for [this woman]_{915-this woman} , so poor and brave , with [her]_0-her eighty‐two years , and so bitterly denied in [her]_0-her extremity . [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} dimly caught the muttered words , and feebly strove to answer them , whilst the winds roared and the snow beat upon [her]_0-her fallen body . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her can not rise , ” [she]_0-her murmured ; “_[0-her] [my]_0-her leg is broken , [I]_0-her think . But it is no matter . Go [you]_1425-you to [the little ones]_{1405-the little ones} ; whoever [you]_1425-you are , [you]_1425-you are good , and have pity . Go to [them]_{1405-the little ones} , go . It is no matter for [me]_0-her . [I]_0-her have lived [my]_0-her life — any way . It will soon be over . [I]_0-her am not in pain — indeed . ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} stood in silence a moment , then [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stooped and lifted [the old creature]_{5834-the old creature} in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} strong young arms , and with that heavy burden set out on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way in the teeth of the storm . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had known [the woman]_{633-the woman} , and [the little ones]_{1405-the little ones} , by sight and name long and well . Once or twice when [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had passed by [them]_{1405-the little ones} , [the grandam , tender of heart]_{5837-the grandam , tender of heart} , but narrow of brain , and believing all the tales of [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} neighbours]_{5838-her neighbours} , had drawn [the children]_{452-the children} closer to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , under the wing of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} serge cloak , lest the evil eye that had bewitched [[the tanner]_{5387-the tanner} ’s youngest born]_{5841-the tanner ’s youngest born} , should fall on [them]_{452-the children} , and harm [them]_{452-the children} in like manner . Nevertheless the evil eyes gleamed on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with a wistful sorrow , as [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} bore [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with easy strength and a sure step , through the frozen woodland ways , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would have borne the load of wood , or the sack of corn , which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was so well used to carry to and fro like a packhorse . [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} did not stir , [she]_{148-manon dax} did not even strive to speak again ; [she]_{148-manon dax} was vaguely sensible of a slow , buoyant , painless movement , of a close soft pressure that sheltered [her]_{148-manon dax} from the force of the winds , of a subtle warmth that stole through [her]_{148-manon dax} emaciated aching frame , and made [her]_{148-manon dax} drowsy and forgetful , and content to be still . [She]_{148-manon dax} could do no more . [Her]_{148-manon dax} day for struggle and for work was done . Once [she]_{148-manon dax} moved a little . [[Her]_{148-manon dax} bearer]_{5842-her bearer} paused and stopped and listened . “_[1427-you] Did [you]_1427-you speak ? ” [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} gave a soft troubled sigh . “_[1427-you] [God]_118-god is good , ” [she]_{148-manon dax} muttered , like [one speaking in a dream]_{5843-one speaking in a dream} . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} held on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way , as before [her]_{104-folle‐farine} Phratos had once held on [his]_1427-you ; fiercely blown , blinded by the snow , pierced by the blasts of the hurricane , but [sure of foot on the ice as a reindeer , and sure of eye in the dark as a night‐hawk]_{5844-sure of foot on the ice as a reindeer , and sure of eye in the dark as a night‐hawk} . “_[118-god] Are [you]_1427-you in pain ? ” [she]_{148-manon dax} asked once of the burden [she]_{148-manon dax} carried . There was no answer . “_[1428-she] [She]_1428-she is asleep , ” [she]_{148-manon dax} thought ; and went onward . The distance of [the road]_{4855-the road} was nothing to [her]_{148-manon dax} , fleet and firm of step , and inured to all hardships of the weather ; yet it cost [her]_{148-manon dax} an hour to travel it , heavily weighted as [she]_{148-manon dax} was , soaked with snow‐water , blown back continually by the opposing winds , and forced to stagger and to pause by the fury of the storm . At last [she]_{148-manon dax} reached [the hut]_{5779-the hut} . The wind had driven open the door . The wailing cries of [the children]_{452-the children} echoed sorrowfully on the stillness , answered by the bleating of sheep , cold and hungry in [their]_5848-their distant folds . The snow had drifted in unchecked ; all was quite dark . [She]_{148-manon dax} felt [her]_{148-manon dax} way within over the heaps of the snow , and being used by long custom to see in the gloom , as the night‐haunting beasts and birds can see , [she]_{148-manon dax} found the bed of hay , and laid [her]_{148-manon dax} burden gently down on it . [The children]_{452-the children} ceased [their]_{452-the children} wailing ; [the two eldest ones]_{5850-the two eldest ones} crept up close to [[their]_{5850-the two eldest ones} grandmother]_{5851-their grandmother} ; and pressed [their]_{5850-the two eldest ones} cheeks to [hers]_{148-manon dax} , and whispered to [her]_{148-manon dax} eagerly , with [their]_{5850-the two eldest ones} little famished lips : “_[1428-she] Where is the food , where is the food ? ” But there was still no answer . The clouds drifted a little from the moon which had been so long obscured ; it shone for a moment through the vapour of the heavy sky ; the whitened ground threw back the rays increased tenfold ; the pale gleam reached the old still face of [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} . There was a feeble smile upon it — the smile with which [her]_{148-manon dax} last words had been spoken in the darkness ; “_[118-god] [God]_118-god is good ! ” [She]_{148-manon dax} was quite dead . ALL that night [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} tarried with [the children]_{452-the children} . [The youngest]_{5853-the youngest} had been suffocated whilst [they]_{452-the children} had been alone , by the snow that had fallen through the roof , from which [its elders]_{5854-its elders} had been too small and weakly to be able to drag it out , unaided . [She]_{148-manon dax} laid it , stiff already in the cold night , beside the body of [[its]_{5853-the youngest} old grandam]_{5855-its old grandam} , who had perished in endeavouring to save [it]_{5853-the youngest} ; [they]_{452-the children} lay together , [the year‐old child]_{5856-the year‐old child} and [the aged woman]_{5857-the aged woman} , the broken bud and the leafless bough . [They]_{452-the children} had died of hunger , as the birds die on [the moors and plains]_{5858-the moors and plains} ; it is a common fate . [She]_{148-manon dax} stayed beside [the children , who were frightened and bewildered and quite mute]_{5859-the children , who were frightened and bewildered and quite mute} . [She]_{148-manon dax} divided such food as [she]_{148-manon dax} had brought between [them]_{5859-the children , who were frightened and bewildered and quite mute} , not taking any [herself]_{148-manon dax} . [She]_{148-manon dax} took off the sheepskin which [she]_{148-manon dax} wore in winter tied round [her]_{148-manon dax} loins as [her]_{148-manon dax} outdoor garment , and made a little nest of it for [the three]_{5860-the three} , and covered [them]_{5859-the children , who were frightened and bewildered and quite mute} with it . [She]_{148-manon dax} could not close the door , from the height of the drifted snow , and the wind poured in all night long , though in an hour the snow ceased to fall . Now and then the clouds parting a little , let a ray of the moon stray in ; and then [she]_{148-manon dax} could see the quiet faces of [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} and [the child]_{272-the child} . “_[1429-they] [They]_1429-they die of famine — and [they]_1429-they die saying [their]_1429-they ‘ God is good , ’ ” [she]_{148-manon dax} thought ; and [she]_{148-manon dax} pondered on it deeply , with the bitter and melancholy irony which life had already taught [her]_{148-manon dax} . The hours of the night dragged slowly on ; the winds howled above the trembling hovel ; [the children]_{452-the children} sobbed [themselves]_{452-the children} to sleep at last , lulled by the warmth of the sheepskin , in which [they]_{452-the children} crept together like young birds in a nest . [She]_{148-manon dax} sat there patiently ; frozen and ravenous ; yet not drawing a corner of the sheepskin to [her]_{148-manon dax} own use , nor regretting a crumb of the bread [she]_{148-manon dax} had surrendered . [She]_{148-manon dax} hated [the human race]_{5864-the human race} , whose hand was always against [her]_{148-manon dax} . [She]_{148-manon dax} had no single good deed to thank [them]_{5864-the human race} for , nor any single gentle word . Yet [she]_{148-manon dax} was sorry for [that old creature , who had been so bitterly dealt with all [her]_{148-manon dax} years through , who had died saying “_[1429-they] [God]_118-god was good . ” [She]_{148-manon dax} was sorry for those little helpless , unconscious starving animals , who had lost the only life that could labour for [theirs]_{452-the children}]_{5865-that old creature , who had been so bitterly dealt with all her years through , who had died saying “ god was good . ” she was sorry for those little helpless , unconscious starving animals , who had lost the only life that could labour for theirs} . [She]_{148-manon dax} forgave — because [she]_{148-manon dax} forgot — that in other winters this door had been shut against [her]_{148-manon dax} as against an accursed thing , and [these babes]_{5866-these babes} had mocked [her]_{148-manon dax} in [their]_{5866-these babes} first imperfect speech . The dawn broke ; the sharp grey winter ’s day came ; the storm had lulled ; but [the whole earth]_{5565-the whole earth} was frost‐bound and white with snow , the air was piercing , the sky dark and overcast . [She]_{148-manon dax} had to leave [them]_{5866-these babes} ; [she]_{148-manon dax} was bound to [her]_{148-manon dax} daily labour at [the mill]_{281-the mill} ; [she]_{148-manon dax} knew that if when the sun rose [she]_{148-manon dax} were found to be absent , [she]_{148-manon dax} and [they]_{5866-these babes} too would surely suffer . What to do for [them]_{5866-these babes} [she]_{148-manon dax} could not tell . [She]_{148-manon dax} had [no friend]_{5055-no friend} save [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , who [himself]_{135-marcellin} was as poor as these . [She]_{148-manon dax} never spoke to any living thing , except a sheep‐dog , or a calf bleating for [[its]_5870-its mother]_{658-its mother} , or a toil‐worn bullock staggering over the ploughed clods . Between [her]_{148-manon dax} , and all those around [her]_{148-manon dax} , there were perpetual enmity and mistrust , and scarcely so much of a common bond as lies in a common humanity . For in [her]_{148-manon dax} title to a common humanity with [them]_{5866-these babes} [they]_{5866-these babes} disbelieved ; while [she]_{148-manon dax} in [her]_{148-manon dax} scorn rejected all claim to it . At daybreak there passed by the open door in the mist , [a peasant going to [his]_{5872-a peasant going to his cattle} cattle]_{5872-a peasant going to his cattle} in [the fields beyond]_{5873-the fields beyond} , pushing through the snow a rude hand‐cart full of turnips , and other winter food . [She]_{148-manon dax} rose and called to [him]_{152-old manon} . [He]_{152-old manon} stared and stood still . [She]_{148-manon dax} went to the doorway and signed to [him]_{152-old manon} . “_[118-god] [Old Manon]_{152-old manon} is dead . Will [you]_{152-old manon} tell [the people]_{4948-the people} ? [The children]_{452-the children} are here , alone , and [they]_{452-the children} starve . ” “_{[152-old manon]} [Manon]_{152-old manon} Dax dead ? ” [he]_{152-old manon} echoed stupidly : [he]_{152-old manon} was [[her]_{148-manon dax} nearest neighbour]_{5874-her nearest neighbour} , and [he]_{152-old manon} had helped [her]_{148-manon dax} to fetch [her]_{148-manon dax} washing‐water sometimes from the well half a league away , and when [[his]_{152-old manon} wife]_{501-his wife} had been down , with fever and ague , [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} had nursed [her]_1432-her carefully and well through many a tedious month . “_{[152-old manon]} Yes , [I]_0-her found [her]_1432-her on [the road]_{4855-the road} , in the snow , last night . [She]_1432-her had broken [her]_1432-her leg , and [she]_1432-her was dead before [I]_0-her got [here]_1434-here . Go and send [some one]_{1435-some one} . [The little children]_{442-the little children} are all alone , and [one of [them]_{442-the little children}]_{1437-one of them} is dead too . ” It was so dark still , that [he]_{152-old manon} had not seen at first who it was that addressed [him]_{152-old manon} , but slowly , as [he]_{152-old manon} stared and stared , and drew nearer to [her]_1432-her , [he]_{152-old manon} recognised the scarlet girdle , the brown limbs , the straight brow , the fathomless eyes . [He]_{152-old manon} feared [her]_1432-her , with a great fear rising there suddenly before [him]_{152-old manon} , out of that still white world of dawn and shadow . [He]_{152-old manon} dropped the handles of [his]_{152-old manon} cart and fled ; a turn in [the road]_{4855-the road} , and the darkness of the morning , soon hid [him]_{152-old manon} from sight . [She]_1432-her thought that [he]_{152-old manon} had gone to summon [[his]_{152-old manon} people]_{492-his people} , and [she]_1432-her went back and sat again by [the sleeping children]_{5879-the sleeping children} , and watched the sad still faces of [the dead]_{5880-the dead} . [The peasant]_{5394-the peasant} flew [home]_497-home as swiftly as [his]_{5394-the peasant} heavy shoes and the broken ice of [the roads]_{5883-the roads} would allow . [[His]_{5394-the peasant} cabin]_{5884-his cabin} was at some distance , at [a place where , amidst [the fields]_{316-the fields}]_{5885-a place where , amidst the fields} , [a few huts]_{5887-a few huts} , [a stone crucifix]_{5888-a stone crucifix} , [some barns]_{5889-some barns} and [stacks]_5890-stacks , and [a single wineshop]_{5891-a single wineshop} made up [a little village]_{5892-a little village} , celebrated in [the district]_{295-the district} for [[its]_{5892-a little village} wide spreading orchards and [their]_{5892-a little village} excellence of fruits]_{5894-its wide spreading orchards and their excellence of fruits} . Even so early [the little hamlet]_{5895-the little hamlet} was awake ; the shutters were opened ; [the people]_{4948-the people} were astir ; [men]_364-men were brushing the snow from [their]_364-men thresholds ; [women]_365-women were going out to [[their]_365-women field‐work]_{5899-their field‐work} ; behind the narrow lattices the sleepy eyes and curly heads of [children]_366-children peered , while [their]_366-children fingers played with the fanciful encrustations of the frost . [The keeper of [the tavern]_{5902-the tavern}]_{5901-the keeper of the tavern} was unbarring [[his]_{5901-the keeper of the tavern} house]_{5272-his house} door ; [a girl]_{5074-a girl} broke the ice in a pool for [her]_{5074-a girl} ducks to get at the water ; a few famished robins flew to and fro songless . [[His]_{5901-the keeper of the tavern} own wife]_{5905-his own wife} was on [her]_{5905-his own wife} doorstep ; to [her]_{5905-his own wife} [he]_{5901-the keeper of the tavern} darted . “_{[1437-one of them]} [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} is dead ! ” [he]_{5901-the keeper of the tavern} shouted . “_{[148-manon dax]} What of that ? ” said [[his]_{5901-the keeper of the tavern} wife]_{501-his wife} , shouldering [her]_{5905-his own wife} broom ; [a great many]_{5907-a great many} had died that winter , and [they]_{5907-a great many} were so poor and sharp‐set with famine [themselves]_{5907-a great many} , that [they]_{5907-a great many} had neither bread nor pity to spare . “_{[335-the old man]} This of that ! ’ cried [the old man]_{335-the old man} , doggedly , and full of the excitement of [his]_{335-the old man} own terrors . “ [The young devil of [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{5908-the young devil of yprès} has killed [her]_{148-manon dax} , that [I]_{335-the old man} am sure . [She]_{148-manon dax} is there in [the hut]_{5779-the hut} in the dark , with [her]_{148-manon dax} eyes glaring like coals . And for what should [she]_{148-manon dax} be there if not for evil ? Tell [me]_{335-the old man} that . ”_{[335-the old man]} “ Is it possible ? ”_{[501-his wife]} [[his]_{335-the old man} wife]_{501-his wife} cried , incredulous , yet willing to believe . [The girl]_{5116-the girl} left [her]_{5116-the girl} ducks , the wineshop‐keeper [his]_{335-the old man} door , [the women]_{472-the women} [[their]_{472-the women} cabins]_{1442-their cabins} , and came and stood round [the bearer of such strange news]_{1443-the bearer of such strange news} : very welcome news in a raw frost‐bitten dawn , when a day was beginning that would otherwise have had nothing more wonderful in it than tidings of how a litter of black pigs throve , and how a brown horse had fared with the swelling in the throat . [They]_1444-they were very dull there from year ’s end to year ’s end ; once a month , may be , a letter would come in from [some soldier‐son or brother]_{1445-some soldier‐son or brother} , or [a pedlar coming to buy eggs]_{1446-a pedlar coming to buy eggs} would bring likewise some stray rumour from [the outer‐world;—beyond]_{1447-the outer‐world;—beyond} this there was no change , [they]_1444-they heard nothing , and saw nothing , seldom moving a league away from that stone crucifix , round which [[their]_1444-they homes]_{5236-their homes} were clustered . [The man Flandrin]_{1449-the man flandrin} had nothing truly to tell ; [he]_{1449-the man flandrin} had fled horrified to be challenged , in the twilight and the snow , by [a creature of such evil omen]_{1450-a creature of such evil omen} . But when [he]_{1449-the man flandrin} had got [an audience]_{1451-an audience} , [he]_{1449-the man flandrin} was too true [an orator]_{1452-an orator} , and not such a fool as to lose it for such a little beggarly matter as the truth ; and [his]_{1449-the man flandrin} tongue clacked quickly of all which [his]_{1449-the man flandrin} fears and fancies had conceived , until [he]_{1449-the man flandrin} had talked [himself]_{1449-the man flandrin} and [[his]_{1449-the man flandrin} listeners]_{1453-his listeners} into the full belief that [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} being belated had encountered the evil glance of [the daughter of all evil]_{1454-the daughter of all evil} , and had been slain thereby in most cruel sorcery . Now , in [the whole neighbourhood]_{1455-the whole neighbourhood} , there was nothing too foul to be credible of [the begotten of the fiend]_{1456-the begotten of the fiend} — [a fiend whom [all the grown men]_{1458-all the grown men} and [women]_365-women remembered so well in [his]_{1449-the man flandrin} earthly form , when [he]_{1449-the man flandrin} had come to ruin [poor Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} ’s body and soul , with [his]_{1449-the man flandrin} eyes like jewels , and [his]_{1449-the man flandrin} strength passing the strength of [all men]_{5168-all men}]_{1457-a fiend whom all the grown men and women remembered so well in his earthly form , when he had come to ruin poor reine flamma ’s body and soul , with his eyes like jewels , and his strength passing the strength of all men} . [The people]_{4948-the people} listened , gaping , and wonderstruck , and forgetting the bitterness of the cold , being warmed with those unfailing human cordials of foul suspicion and of gratified hatred . [Some]_549-some went off to [their]_549-some daily labour , being unable to spare time for more gossip ; but [divers women who had nothing to occupy [them]_549-some]_{1463-divers women who had nothing to occupy them} remained about [Flandrin]_153-flandrin . [A shrivelled dame]_{1464-a shrivelled dame} , who owned [the greatest number of brood‐hens in [the village]_{1466-the village} , and who had only [one son]_{1467-one son} , [a priest]_{5464-a priest} , and who was much respected and deferred to by [[her]_{1464-a shrivelled dame} neighbours]_{5838-her neighbours}]_{1465-the greatest number of brood‐hens in the village , and who had only one son , a priest , and who was much respected and deferred to by her neighbours} , spoke first when [Flandrin]_153-flandrin had ended [his]_153-flandrin tale for the seventh time , it being a little matter to [him]_153-flandrin that [his]_153-flandrin two hungry cows would be lowing all the while vainly for [their]_1470-their morning meal . “ [Flandrin]_153-flandrin , [you]_153-flandrin have said well , beyond a doubt ; [the good soul]_{5910-the good soul} has been struck dead by sorcery . But , [you]_153-flandrin have forgot one thing , [the children]_{452-the children} are there , and [that devil of [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{5912-that devil of yprès} is with [them]_{452-the children} . [We]_5913-we — [good Christians and true]_{5914-good christians and true} — should not let such things be . Go , and drive [her]_{1473-the other woman} out and bring [the young ones]_{5915-the young ones} hither . ”_{[153-flandrin]} [Flandrin]_153-flandrin stood silent . It was very well to say that [the devil]_{4853-the devil} should be driven out , but it was not so well to be [the driver]_{1472-the driver} . “ That is as it should be , ”_{[1473-the other woman]} assented [the other woman]_{1473-the other woman} . “ Go , [Flandrin]_153-flandrin , and [we]_5913-we — [we]_5913-we will take [the little souls]_{5916-the little souls} in for this day , and then give [them]_{5916-the little souls} to the public charity , better can not be done . Go . ”_{[1473-the other woman]} “ But mind that [thou]_5917-thou dost strike that beast , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , sharply ! ”_{[501-his wife]} cried [[his]_153-flandrin wife]_{501-his wife} . “ If [thou]_5917-thou showest [her]_{1473-the other woman} the cross , [she]_{1473-the other woman} will have to grovel and flee , ”_{[1475-another]} said [another]_1475-another . “ Not [she]_{1473-the other woman} , ”_{[1475-another]} grumbled [an old dame]_{1476-an old dame} , whose son was [a priest]_{5464-a priest} . “ One day [[my]_{1476-an old dame} blessed son]_{5918-my blessed son} , who is nearly [a saint]_{4870-a saint} , Heaven knows , menaced [her]_{1473-the other woman} with [his]_153-flandrin cross , and [she]_{1473-the other woman} stood straight , and fearless , and looked at it , and said , ‘ By that sign [you]_153-flandrin do all manner of vileness in [this world]_{1415-this world} , and say [you]_153-flandrin are safe to be blest in another ; [I]_{1476-an old dame} know ! ’ and so laughed and went on . What are [you]_153-flandrin to do with [a witch like that — eh]_{5921-a witch like that — eh} ? ”_{[1476-an old dame]} “ Go , [Flandrin]_153-flandrin , ”_{[1478-the women in chorus]} shrieked [the women in chorus]_{1478-the women in chorus} , “ Go ! Every minute [you]_153-flandrin waste [the little angels]_{5922-the little angels} are nearer to [hell]_4924-hell ! ”_{[1478-the women in chorus]} “ Come [yourselves]_{1478-the women in chorus} with [me]_153-flandrin , then , ”_{[153-flandrin]} said [Flandrin]_153-flandrin , sullenly . “ [I]_153-flandrin will not go after [those infants]_{5924-those infants} , it is not [a man]_{4875-a man} 's work . ”_{[153-flandrin]} In [his]_153-flandrin own mind [he]_153-flandrin was musing on a story which [[his]_153-flandrin priests]_{1479-his priests} had often told [him]_153-flandrin , of swine into which [exorcised devils]_{1480-exorcised devils} had entered , and despatched swiftly down a slope to a miserable end ; and [he]_153-flandrin thought of [his]_153-flandrin own pigs , black , fat , and happy , worth so much to [him]_153-flandrin in [the market]_{948-the market} . Better , [he]_153-flandrin mused , that [[Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} ’s grandchildren]_{1482-manon dax ’s grandchildren} should be [the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s prey , than those , [his]_153-flandrin choicest , swine . [The women]_{472-the women} jeered [him]_153-flandrin , menaced [him]_153-flandrin , flouted [him]_153-flandrin , besought [him]_153-flandrin . But vainly — [he]_153-flandrin would not move alone . [He]_153-flandrin had become possessed of the terrors of [his]_153-flandrin own fancy had created ; and [he]_153-flandrin would not stir a step for all [their]_{472-the women} imprecations . “ Let [us]_5926-us go [ourselves]_5926-us , then ! ”_{[501-his wife]} screamed [[his]_153-flandrin wife]_{501-his wife} at length , flourishing above [her]_{501-his wife} head the broom with which [she]_{501-his wife} had swept the snow . “ [Men]_364-men are ever [cowards]_5928-cowards . It shall never be said of [me]_{501-his wife} , that [I]_{501-his wife} left [those babes]_{5929-those babes} to [the fiend]_{739-the fiend} while [I]_{501-his wife} gave [[my]_{501-his wife} own children]_{5931-my own children} [their]_{5931-my own children} porridge by the fire ! ”_{[501-his wife]} There was a sentiment in this that stirred [all [her]_{501-his wife} companions]_{1486-all her companions} to emulation . [They]_{1486-all her companions} rushed into [[their]_{1486-all her companions} homes]_{5236-their homes} , snatched a shovel , a staff , a broom , a pig‐stick , each whatever came uppermost , and dragging [Flandrin]_153-flandrin in the midst , went down [the sloping frozen road]_{1488-the sloping frozen road} between [[its]_{1488-the sloping frozen road} fringe of poplars]_{1489-its fringe of poplars} . [They]_{1486-all her companions} were not very sure in [their]_{1486-all her companions} own minds , why [they]_{1486-all her companions} went , nor for what [they]_{1486-all her companions} went ; but [they]_{1486-all her companions} had a vague idea of doing what was wise and pious , and [they]_{1486-all her companions} had a great hate in [their]_{1486-all her companions} hearts against [the child]_{272-the child} . [They]_{1486-all her companions} sped as fast as [the slippery road]_{1491-the slippery road} would let [them]_{1486-all her companions} , and [their]_{1486-all her companions} tongues flew still faster than [their]_{1486-all her companions} feet ; the cold of the daybreak made [them]_{1486-all her companions} sharp and keen on [their]_{1486-all her companions} prey , as the air was on [themselves]_{1486-all her companions} ; [they]_{1486-all her companions} screamed fable on fable hoarsely , [their]_{1486-all her companions} voices rising shrilly above the whistling of the winds , and the creaking of the trees , and [they]_{1486-all her companions} inflamed [each other]_{555-each other} with ferocious belief in the sorcery [they]_{1486-all her companions} were to punish . [They]_{1486-all her companions} were in [their]_{1486-all her companions} way virtuous ; [they]_{1486-all her companions} were content on very little ; [they]_{1486-all her companions} toiled hard from [their]_{1486-all her companions} birth to [their]_{1486-all her companions} grave ; [they]_{1486-all her companions} were [most of [them]_{1486-all her companions} chaste wives and [devoted mothers]_{1494-devoted mothers}]_{1493-most of them chaste wives and devoted mothers} , [they]_{1486-all her companions} bore privation steadily , and [they]_{1486-all her companions} slaved in fair weather and foul without a complaint . But [they]_{1486-all her companions} were narrow of soul , greedy of temper , bigoted and uncharitable , and , when [they]_{1486-all her companions} thought [themselves]_{1486-all her companions} or [[their]_{1486-all her companions} offspring]_{5754-their offspring} menaced , implacable . [They]_{1486-all her companions} were of the stuff that would be burned for a creed , and burn [others]_5531-others for another creed . It is the creed of [the vast majority of [every nation]_{1498-every nation}]_{1497-the vast majority of every nation} ; [the priests]_{514-the priests} and [lawgivers of [every nation]_{1498-every nation}]_{1500-lawgivers of every nation} have always told [[their]_{514-the priests} people]_{1502-their people} that it is a creed holy and honourable — how can [the people]_{4948-the people} know that it is at once idiotic and hellish ? [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} sat within on the damp hay under the broken roof , and watched the open door . [The children]_{452-the children} were still asleep . [The eldest one in [his]_{1505-the eldest one in his sleep} sleep]_{1505-the eldest one in his sleep} had turned and caught [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hand , and held it . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} did not care for [them]_{452-the children} . [They]_{452-the children} had screamed , and run behind the woodstock , or [their]_{452-the children} grandam 's skirts , a hundred times when [they]_{452-the children} had seen [her]_{104-folle‐farine} on [the road]_{4855-the road} or in [the orchard]_{1190-the orchard} . But [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was sorry for [them]_{452-the children} ; almost as sorry as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was for [the little naked woodpigeons]_{1508-the little naked woodpigeons} when [their]_{1508-the little naked woodpigeons} nests were scattered on the ground in a tempest , or for the little starveling rabbits when [they]_{1508-the little naked woodpigeons} screamed in [their]_{1508-the little naked woodpigeons} holes for [the soft white mother that was lying , tortured and twisted , in the jaws of a steel‐trap]_{1509-the soft white mother that was lying , tortured and twisted , in the jaws of a steel‐trap} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was sorry for [them]_{452-the children} — half roughly , half tenderly sorry — with some shame at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own weakness , and yet too sincerely sorry to be able to persuade [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} to leave [them]_{452-the children} to [their]_{452-the children} fate there , all alone with [their]_{452-the children} dead . For in the savage heart of [[Taric]_124-taric ’s daughter]_{1510-taric ’s daughter} there was an innermost corner wherein [[her]_{1510-taric ’s daughter} mother]_{774-her mother} ’s nature slept . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} sat there quite still , watching [the porch]_{1512-the porch} , and listening for footsteps . The snow was driven in encircling clouds by the winds , the dense fog of the dawn lifted itself off [the surrounding fields]_{1513-the surrounding fields} ; the branches of the trees were beautiful with hanging icicles ; from [the meadow hard‐by]_{1514-the meadow hard‐by} there wailed unceasingly the mournful moaning of [[Flandrin]_153-flandrin ’s cattle]_{1515-flandrin ’s cattle} , deserted of [[their]_{1515-flandrin ’s cattle} master]_{1516-their master} , and hungry in [[their]_{1515-flandrin ’s cattle} wooden sheds]_{1517-their wooden sheds} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} heard a distant convent clock strike six : [no one]_{264-no one} came . Yet [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had resolved not to leave [the children]_{452-the children} all alone , though [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} should come and find [her]_{104-folle‐farine} there , and thrash [her]_{104-folle‐farine} for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} absence from [his]_153-flandrin tasks . So [she]_{104-folle‐farine} sat still , and waited . After a little [she]_{104-folle‐farine} heard the crisp cracking of many feet on the frozen snow and ice‐filled ruts of [the narrow road]_{1520-the narrow road} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} heard a confused clatter of angry voices breaking harshly on the stillness of the winter morning . The light was stronger now , and through the doorway [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw [the little passionate crowd of angry faces]_{1521-the little passionate crowd of angry faces} as [the women]_{472-the women} pressed onward down [the hill]_{1523-the hill} with [Flandrin]_153-flandrin in [their]_{472-the women} midst . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} rose , and looked out at [them]_{472-the women} , quietly . For a minute [they]_{472-the women} paused — irresolute , silent , perplexed : at the sight of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} [they]_{472-the women} were half daunted ; [they]_{472-the women} felt the vagueness of the crime [they]_{472-the women} came to bring against [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [The wife of [Flandrin]_153-flandrin]_{1524-the wife of flandrin} recovered speech first , and dared [them]_{472-the women} to the onslaught . “ What ! ”_{[1524-the wife of flandrin]} [she]_{1524-the wife of flandrin} screamed , “ [nine good Christians]_{5932-nine good christians} fearful of [one daughter of hell]_{5933-one daughter of hell} ? Fie ! for shame ! Look ; [[my]_{1524-the wife of flandrin} leaden [Peter]_154-peter]_{5934-my leaden peter} is round [my]_{1524-the wife of flandrin} neck ! Is [he]_154-peter not stronger than [she]_{104-folle‐farine} any day ? ”_{[1524-the wife of flandrin]} In a moment more , thus girded at and guarded at the same time , [they]_{472-the women} were through the door and stood on the mud floor of the hearth , close to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , casting hasty glances at the poor dead body on the hearth , whose fires [they]_{472-the women} had left to die out all through that bitter winter . [They]_{472-the women} came about [her]_{104-folle‐farine} in a fierce , gesticulating , breathless troop , flourishing [their]_{472-the women} sticks in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes , and casting at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} all [their]_{472-the women} various charges in one breath . [Flandrin]_153-flandrin stood a little aloof , sheepishly on the threshold , wishing that [he]_153-flandrin had never said a word of the death of [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} to [[his]_153-flandrin good wife]_{1525-his good wife} and [neighbours]_{5816-neighbours} . “ [You]_153-flandrin met [that poor saint]_{5935-that poor saint} and killed [her]_{5935-that poor saint} in the snow with [[your]_153-flandrin witcheries]_{5936-your witcheries} ! ”_[1305-one] [one]_1305-one cried . “ [You]_153-flandrin have stifled [that poor babe]_{5937-that poor babe} where it lay ! ”_{[1475-another]} cried [another]_1475-another . “ [A good woman like that]_{5938-a good woman like that} ! ”_{[1529-a third]} shrieked [a third]_{1529-a third} , “ who was well and blithe and praising [God]_118-god only a day ago , for [I]_{1529-a third} saw [her]_{5935-that poor saint} [myself]_{1529-a third} come down [the hill]_{1523-the hill} for [[our]_5940-our well water]_{5941-our well water} ! ”_{[1529-a third]} “ It is as [you]_153-flandrin did with [the dear little Rémy]_{5942-the dear little rémy} , who will be lame all [his]_{5942-the dear little rémy} life , through [you]_153-flandrin , ”_{[1530-a fourth]} hissed [a fourth]_{1530-a fourth} . “ [You]_153-flandrin are not fit to live ; [you]_153-flandrin spit venom like a toad . ”_{[1531-a fifth]} “ Are [you]_153-flandrin alive , [[my]_{1531-a fifth} angels]_{5943-my angels} ? ”_{[1531-a fifth]} said [a fifth]_{1531-a fifth} , waking [the three children]_{1532-the three children} noisily , and rousing [their]_{1532-the three children} piercing cries . “ Are [you]_153-flandrin alive after [that witch]_{5944-that witch} has gazed on [you]_153-flandrin ? It is a miracle ! [The Saints]_{329-the saints} be praised ! ”_{[1531-a fifth]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} stood mute and erect for the moment , not comprehending why [they]_{1532-the three children} thus with one accord fell upon [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} pointed to the bodies on the hearth , with one of those grave and dignified gestures which were [her]_{104-folle‐farine} birthright from [the old oriental race]_{1533-the old oriental race} . “ [She]_{5944-that witch} was cold and hungry , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said curtly , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} mellow accent softening and enriching the provincial tongue which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had learned from those amidst whom [she]_{104-folle‐farine} dwelt . “ [She]_{5944-that witch} had fallen , and was dying . [I]_{104-folle‐farine} brought [her]_{5944-that witch} here . [The young child]_{369-the young child} was killed by the snow . [I]_{104-folle‐farine} stayed with [the rest]_{1075-the rest} because [they]_{1075-the rest} were frightened and alone . There is no more to tell . What of it ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} “ [Thou]_5948-thou hast better come away . What canst [thou]_5948-thou prove ? ”_{[153-flandrin]} whispered [Flandrin]_153-flandrin to [[his]_153-flandrin wife]_{501-his wife} . [He]_153-flandrin was afraid of the storm [he]_153-flandrin had invoked , and would fain have stilled it . But that was beyond [his]_153-flandrin power . [The women]_{472-the women} had not come forth half a league in the howling winds of a midwinter daybreak only to go back with a mere charity done , and with no vengeance taken . [They]_{472-the women} hissed , [they]_{472-the women} screamed , [they]_{472-the women} hurled [their]_{472-the women} rage at [her]_{501-his wife} ; [they]_{472-the women} accused [her]_{501-his wife} of a thousand crimes ; [they]_{472-the women} filled [the hut]_{5779-the hut} with clamor as of a thousand tongues ; [they]_{472-the women} foamed , [they]_{472-the women} spat , [they]_{472-the women} struck [her]_{501-his wife} with [their]_{472-the women} sticks ; and [she]_{501-his wife} stood quiet , looking at [them]_{472-the women} , and the old dead face of [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} which lay upward in the dim light . [The eldest boy]_{1537-the eldest boy} struggled in the grasp of [the peasant woman who had seized [him]_{1537-the eldest boy}]_{1538-the peasant woman who had seized him} , and stretched [his]_{1537-the eldest boy} arms , instead , to [the one who had fed [him]_{1537-the eldest boy} , and whose hand [he]_{1537-the eldest boy} had held all through [his]_{1537-the eldest boy} restless slumber in that long and dreary night]_{1539-the one who had fed him , and whose hand he had held all through his restless slumber in that long and dreary night} . [The woman]_{633-the woman} covered [his]_{1537-the eldest boy} eyes with a scream . ” Ah — h ! ”_{[633-the woman]} [she]_{633-the woman} moaned , “ see how [the innocent child]_{5949-the innocent child} is bewitched ! It is horrible ! ”_{[633-the woman]} “ Look on that;—oh infernal thing ! ”_{[1541-flandrin ’s wife]} cried [[Flandrin]_153-flandrin ’s wife]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , lifting up [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} treasured figure of [Peter]_154-peter . “ [You]_153-flandrin dare not face that blessed image . See — see all of [you]_153-flandrin — how [she]_{5949-the innocent child} winces , and turns white ! ”_{[1541-flandrin ’s wife]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} had shrunk a little as [the child]_{272-the child} had called to [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} . Its gesture of affection was the first that [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} had ever seen towards [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} in any human thing . [She]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} laughed aloud as the image of [Peter]_154-peter was thrust in [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} face . [She]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} saw it was some emblem and idol of [their]_1543-they faith , devotedly cherished . [She]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} stretched [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} hand out , wrenched it away , trampled on it , and tossed it through the doorway into the snow , where it sank and disappeared . Then [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} folded [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} arms , and waited for [them]_1543-they . There was a loud shriek at the blasphemy of the impious act ; then [they]_1543-they rushed on [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} . [They]_1543-they came inflamed with all the fury which abject fear and bigoted hatred can beget in minds of the lowest and most brutal type . [They]_1543-they were [strong , rude , ignorant , fanatical peasants]_{1544-strong , rude , ignorant , fanatical peasants} , [they]_1543-they abhorred [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , [they]_1543-they believed [no child of theirs]_{1545-no child of theirs} safe in [its]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} bed while [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} walked abroad alive . Beside [such women]_{1546-such women} , when in wrath and riot , the tiger and [they]_1543-they hyæna are as the lamb and the dove . [They]_1543-they set on [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} with furious force , flung [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , trod on [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , beat [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , kicked [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} with [their]_1543-they wood‐shod feet , with all the malignant fury of the female animal that fights for [its offspring]_{1547-its offspring} ’s and [its]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} own security . Strong though [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} was , and swift , and full of courage , [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} had no power against [the numbers who had thrown [themselves]_1543-they on [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , and borne [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} backward by dint of [their]_1543-they united effort , and held [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} down to work [their]_1543-they worst on [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife}]_{1548-the numbers who had thrown themselves on her , and borne her backward by dint of their united effort , and held her down to work their worst on her} . [She]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} could not free [herself]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} nor return [their]_1543-they blows , nor lift [herself]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} to wrestle with [them]_1543-they ; [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} could only deny [them]_1543-they the sweetness of wringing from [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} a single cry , and that much [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} did . [She]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} was mute while the rough hands flew at [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , the sticks struck at [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , the heavy feet were driven against [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} body , the fingers clutched at [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} long hair , and twisted and tore at it — [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} was quite mute throughout . “ Prick [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} in the breast , and see if the devil be still in [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} . [I]_153-flandrin have heard say there is no better way to test [a witch]_{5950-a witch} ! ”_{[153-flandrin]} cried [[Flandrin]_153-flandrin ’s wife]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , writhing in rage for the outrage to [the Petrus]_{1550-the petrus} . [[Her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} foes]_{1551-her foes} needed no second bidding ; [they]_{1551-her foes} had [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} already prostrate in [their]_{1551-her foes} midst , and a dozen eager hands seized a closer grip upon [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , pulled [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} clothes from [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} chest , and , holding [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} down on the mud floor , searched with ravenous eyes for the signet marks of hell . The smooth skin baffled them ; its rich and tender hues were without spot or blemish . “ What matter ; what matter ? ”_{[153-flandrin]} hissed [Rose Flandrin]_153-flandrin . “ When [[our]_5951-our fathers]_{5952-our fathers} hunted [witches]_755-witches in the old time , did [they]_{5952-our fathers} stop for that ? Draw blood , and [you]_5954-you will see . ”_{[1541-flandrin ’s wife]} [She]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} clutched a jagged rusty nail from out the wall , and leaned over [[her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} prey]_{1552-her prey} . “ It is the only babe that will ever cling to [thee]_5954-you ! ”_{[1541-flandrin ’s wife]} [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} cried , with a laugh , as the nail drew blood above the heart . [Still Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} made no sound and asked no mercy . [She]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} was powerless , defenceless , flung on [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} back amidst [[her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} tormentors]_{1553-her tormentors} , fastened down by treading feet and clenching hands ; [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} could resist in nothing , [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} could not stir a limb , still [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} kept silence , and [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} proud eyes looked unquailing into the hateful faces bent to [hers]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} . The muscles and nerves of [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} body quivered with a mighty pang , [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} chest heaved with the torture of indignity , [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} heart fluttered like a wounded bird — not at the physical pain , but at the shame of [these women]_{1554-these women} ’s gaze , the loathsome contact of [their]_{1554-these women} reckless touch . The iron pierced deeper , but [they]_{1554-these women} could not make [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} speak . Except for [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} eyes , that glowed with a dusky fire as [they]_{1554-these women} glanced to and fro , seeking escape , [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} might have been a statue of olive wood , flung down by [ruffians]_{1555-ruffians} to make a bonfire . “ If one were to drive the nail to the head , [she]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} would not feel ! ”_{[472-the women]} cried [the women]_{472-the women} , in furious despair , and were minded , almost , to put [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} to the uttermost test . Suddenly from the doorway [Flandrin]_153-flandrin raised an alarm : “ There is [[our]_5955-our notary]_{5956-our notary} close at hand , on [the road]_{4855-the road} on [[his]_{5956-our notary} mule]_{5958-his mule} ! [Hist]_{5956-our notary} ! Come out quickly . [You]_{472-the women} know how strict [he]_{5956-our notary} is , and how [he]_{5956-our notary} forbids [us]_5955-our ever to try and take the law into [our]_5955-our own keeping . Quick — as [you]_{472-the women} love [your]_{472-the women} lives — quick ! ”_{[153-flandrin]} [The furies]_{1557-the furies} left [their]_{1557-the furies} prey , and scattered and fled ; [the notary]_{1558-the notary} was a name of awe to [them]_{1557-the furies} , for [he]_{1558-the notary} was [a severe man]_{1559-a severe man} , but just . [They]_{1557-the furies} seized [the children]_{452-the children} , went out with [them]_{452-the children} into [the road]_{4855-the road} , closed the hut door behind [them]_{452-the children} , and moved down [the hill]_{1523-the hill} ; [the children]_{452-the children} wailing sadly , and [the eldest]_{1564-the eldest} trying to get from [them]_{452-the children} and go back . [The women]_{472-the women} looked mournful and held [their]_{472-the women} heads down , and comforted [the little ones]_{1405-the little ones} ; [Flandrin]_153-flandrin [himself]_153-flandrin went to [his]_153-flandrin cattle in [the meadow]_{5135-the meadow} . " Is anything amiss ? "_{[1568-the old white‐haired notary]} [the old white‐haired notary]_{1568-the old white‐haired notary} asked , stopping [his]_{1568-the old white‐haired notary} favourite grey mule at sight of the little calvacade . [The women]_{472-the women} , weeping , told [him]_{1568-the old white‐haired notary} that [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} was dead , and [the youngest infant]_{1570-the youngest infant} likewise — of cold , in the night , as [they]_{472-the women} supposed . [They]_{472-the women} dared to say no other thing , for [he]_{1568-the old white‐haired notary} had many times rebuked [them]_{472-the women} for [their]_{472-the women} lack of charity and [their]_{472-the women} bigoted cruelties and superstitions , and [they]_{472-the women} were quaking with fear lest [he]_{1568-the old white‐haired notary} should by any chance enter [the cottage]_{1571-the cottage} and see [their]_{472-the women} work . “ [Flandrin]_153-flandrin , going to [his]_153-flandrin cow , saw [her]_{1570-the youngest infant} first , and [he]_153-flandrin came to [us]_{472-the women} and told [us]_{472-the women} , ”_{[472-the women]} [they]_{472-the women} added , crossing [themselves]_{472-the women} fervently , and hushing [little Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} , who wanted to get from [them]_{472-the women} and return ; “ and [we]_{472-the women} have taken the poor little things to carry [them]_{472-the women} [home]_497-home ; [we]_{472-the women} are going to give [them]_{472-the women} food , and warm [them]_{472-the women} awhile by the stove , and then [we]_{472-the women} shall come back and do all that is needful for [the beloved dead who are within]_{5960-the beloved dead who are within} . ”_{[472-the women]} “ That is well . That is good and neighbourly of [you]_{472-the women} , ”_{[1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest]} said [the notary , who liked [them]_{472-the women} all , having married [them]_{472-the women} all , and registered [[their]_{472-the women} children]_{768-their children} ’s births , and who was [a good old man]_{1574-a good old man} though stern ; kindly and very honest]_{1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest} . [He]_{1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest} promised [them]_{472-the women} to see for [his]_{1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest} part that all needed by the law and by [the church]_{331-the church} should be done for [[their]_{472-the women} old lost neighbour]_{1576-their old lost neighbour} , and then urged [[his]_{1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest} fat mule]_{1577-his fat mule} into a trot , for [he]_{1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest} had been summoned to [[a rich man]_{1207-a rich man} ’s sick bed]_{1579-a rich man ’s sick bed} in that early winter morning , and was in haste lest [the priest]_{5122-the priest} should be beforehand with [him]_{1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest} there . “ How tender [the poor]_{5743-the poor} are to [the poor]_{5743-the poor} ! [Those people]_{5468-those people} have not bread enough for [themselves]_{5468-those people} , and yet [they]_{5468-those people} burden [[their]_{5468-those people} homes]_{5236-their homes} with three strange mouths . [Their]_{5468-those people} hearts must be true at the core , if [their]_{5468-those people} tongues sometimes be foul , ”_{[1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest]} [he]_{1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest} mused , as [he]_{1572-the notary , who liked them all , having married them all , and registered their children ’s births , and who was a good old man though stern ; kindly and very honest} rode [the mule]_{1386-the mule} down through the fog . [The women]_{472-the women} went on , carrying and dragging [the children]_{452-the children} with [them]_{472-the women} , in a sullen impatience . “ To think [we]_{472-the women} should have had to leave [that fiend of Yprès]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} ! ”_{[472-the women]} [they]_{472-the women} muttered in [their]_{472-the women} teeth . “ Well , there is one thing , [she]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} will not get over the hurt for days . [Her]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} bones will be stiff for many a week . That will teach [her]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} to leave [honest folk]_{4967-honest folk} alone . ”_{[472-the women]} And [they]_{472-the women} traversed [the road]_{4855-the road} slowly ; muttering to [one another]_{700-one another} . “ Hold [thy]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} noise , [thou]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} little pig ! ”_{[153-flandrin]} cried [[Flandrin]_153-flandrin ’s wife]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} , pushing [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} on before [her]_{1541-flandrin ’s wife} . “ Hold [thy]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} noise , [I]_{150-bernardou} tell [you]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} , or [I]_{150-bernardou} will put [you]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} in the black box in a hole in the ground , along with [[thy]_{5965-that fiend of yprès} great‐grandmother]_{5967-thy great‐grandmother} . ”_{[150-bernardou]} But [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} wept aloud , refusing to be comforted or terrified into silence . [He]_{150-bernardou} was old enough to know that never more would the old kindly withered brown face bend over [him]_{150-bernardou} as [he]_{150-bernardou} woke in the morning , nor the old kindly quavering voice croone [him]_{150-bernardou} country ballads and cradle songs at twilight by the bright wood fire . [Little by little]_{1587-little by little} [the women carrying]_{1588-the women carrying} [the children]_{452-the children} crept down [the slippery slope]_{1590-the slippery slope} , half ice and half mud in the thaw , and entered [[their]_{1588-the women carrying} own village]_{1591-their own village} , and therein were much praised for [their]_{1588-the women carrying} charity and courage . For when [they]_{1588-the women carrying} praise , as when [they]_{1588-the women carrying} abuse , [villages]_{1592-villages} are loud of voice and blind of eye , much as are [the cities]_{1111-the cities} . [Their]_{1588-the women carrying} tongues , and those of [[their]_{1588-the women carrying} neighbours]_{1594-their neighbours} , clacked all day long , noisily and bravely , of [their]_{1588-the women carrying} good and [their]_{1588-the women carrying} great deeds ; [they]_{1588-the women carrying} had all the sanctity of martyrdom , and all the glory of victory , in one . True , [they]_{1588-the women carrying} had left all [[their]_{1588-the women carrying} house]_{5517-their house} and field work half done;—“but [the Holy Peter]_{5968-the holy peter} will finish it in [his]_{5968-the holy peter} own good time , and avenge [himself]_{5968-the holy peter} for [his]_{5968-the holy peter} outrage , ”_{[1524-the wife of flandrin]} mused [the wife of [Flandrin]_153-flandrin]_{1524-the wife of flandrin} , sorrowing over [her]_{1524-the wife of flandrin} lost Petrus in [the snowdrift]_{1597-the snowdrift} , and boxing the ears of [little Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} , as [he]_{150-bernardou} huddled in [her]_{1524-the wife of flandrin} chimney corner , to make [him]_{150-bernardou} cease from weeping . When [they]_{1588-the women carrying} went back with [[their]_{1588-the women carrying} priest]_{1598-their priest} at noon to [the hut of [old Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax}]_{1599-the hut of old manon dax} to make [her]_{148-manon dax} ready for [her]_{148-manon dax} burial , [they]_{1588-the women carrying} trembled inwardly lest [they]_{1588-the women carrying} should find [[their]_{1588-the women carrying} victim]_{1600-their victim} there , and lest [she]_{148-manon dax} should lift [her]_{148-manon dax} voice in accusation against [them]_{1588-the women carrying} . [Their]_{1588-the women carrying} hearts misgave [them]_{1588-the women carrying} sorely . [[Their]_{1588-the women carrying} priest]_{1598-their priest} , [[a cobbler]_{1602-a cobbler} ’s son]_{1603-a cobbler ’s son} , and almost as ignorant as [themselves]_{1588-the women carrying} , would be , [they]_{1588-the women carrying} knew , on [their]_{1588-the women carrying} own side ; but [they]_{1588-the women carrying} were sensible that [they]_{1588-the women carrying} had let [their]_{1588-the women carrying} fury hurry [them]_{1588-the women carrying} into acts which could easily be applauded by [[their]_{1588-the women carrying} neighbours]_{1594-their neighbours} , but not so easily justified to the law . “ For the law is over good , ”_{[153-flandrin]} said [Rose Flandrin]_153-flandrin , “ and takes the part of all sorts of vile creatures . It will protect [a rogue]_{5969-a rogue} , [a brigand]_{5970-a brigand} , [a bullock]_{5971-a bullock} , a dog , [a witch]_{5950-a witch} , [a devil]_{678-a devil} — anything,—except now and then [an honest woman]_{5974-an honest woman} . ”_{[153-flandrin]} But [their]_{1588-the women carrying} fears were groundless ; [she]_1605-she was gone ; [the hut]_{5779-the hut} when [they]_{1588-the women carrying} entered [it]_{5779-the hut} had no tenants except the lifeless famished bodies of [the old grandam]_{1607-the old grandam} and [the year‐old infant]_{1608-the year‐old infant} . When [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} had heard the hut door close , and the steps of [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} tormentors]_{1553-her tormentors} die away down [the hill]_{1523-the hill} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had tried vainly several times to raise [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} from the floor , and had failed . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had been so suddenly attacked and flung down and trampled on , that [her]_{104-folle‐farine} brain had been deadened , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} sense had gone for the first sharp moment of the persecution . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} lifted [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} slowly , and staggered to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} feet , and saw the blood trickle where the nail had pierced [her]_{104-folle‐farine} breast , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} understood what had happened to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face grew savage and dark , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes fierce and lustful , like the eyes of some wild beast rising wounded in [[his]_1611-his lair]_{1612-his lair} . It was not for the hurt [she]_{104-folle‐farine} cared ; it was the shame of defeat and outrage that stung [her]_{104-folle‐farine} like a whip of asps . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} stood awhile looking at the dead face of [the woman [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had aided]_{1613-the woman she had aided} . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} tried to help [you]_{1613-the woman she had aided} , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} was [a fool]_{4935-a fool} . [I]_{104-folle‐farine} might have known how [they]_1614-them pay any good done to [them]_1614-them . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was not surprised ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} mind had been too deadened by a long course of ill usage to feel any wonder at the treatment with which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had been repaid . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} hated [them]_1614-them with the mute unyielding hatred of [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} race]_{1081-her race} , but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} hated [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} more because [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had yielded to the softness of sorrow and pity for any human thing ; and more still because [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had not been armed and on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} guard , and had suffered [them]_1614-them to prevail and to escape without [her]_{104-folle‐farine} vengeance . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} will never come abroad without a knife in [my]_{104-folle‐farine} girdle again , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought — this was the lesson that [her]_{104-folle‐farine} charity had brought [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as its teaching . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} went out hardening [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} crept through the doorway into the snow and the wind , so that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} should not leave one farewell word or token of gentleness with the dead , that lay there so tranquil on the ashes of the hearth . “ [She]_{104-folle‐farine} lied , even in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} last breath ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} thought [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . “ [She]_{104-folle‐farine} said that [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} God]_{1332-her god} was good ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} could hardly keep on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own homeward way . All [her]_{104-folle‐farine} limbs were stiff and full of pain . The wound in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} chest was scarcely more than skin deep , yet it smarted sorely and bled still . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} brain was dull , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ears were filled with strange noises from the force with which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had been flung backward on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had given [her]_{104-folle‐farine} sheepskin to [the children]_{452-the children} , as before [her]_{104-folle‐farine} [Phratos]_121-phratos had done ; and [one of [the peasants]_{703-the peasants}]_{1617-one of the peasants} had carried [the youngest]_{5853-the youngest} away in it . The sharpness of the intense cold froze the blood in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} crawled through a gap in the poplar hedge , and under the whitened brambles and grasses , beyond , to get backward to [the mill]_{281-the mill} by [the path that ran through [the woods]_{344-the woods} and [pastures]_{1623-pastures}]_{1621-the path that ran through the woods and pastures} . The sun had risen , but was obscured by fog , through which it shed a dull red ray here and there above [the woods in the east]_{1624-the woods in the east} . It was a bitter morning , and the wind , though it had abated , was still rough , and drove the snow in clouds of powder hither and thither over [the fields]_{316-the fields} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} could only move very slowly , very stiffly ; the thorns tearing [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , the snow blinding [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , the icicles lacerating [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bare feet as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} moved . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} wondered , dimly , why [she]_{104-folle‐farine} lived . It seemed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} that [the devil]_{4853-the devil} , when [he]_{4853-the devil} had made [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , must have made [her]_{104-folle‐farine} out of sport and cruelty , and then tossed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} into [the world]_{268-the world} to be [a scapegoat]_{1628-a scapegoat} and a football for [any creature that might need one]_{1629-any creature that might need one} . That [she]_{104-folle‐farine} might end [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own life never occurred to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} intelligence was not awake enough to see that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} need not have borne its burden one hour more , so long as there had been one pool in [the woods]_{344-the woods} deep enough to drown [her]_{104-folle‐farine} under its green weeds and lily leaves any cool summer night . Nay,—that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had but to lie down , then and there , where [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was , beneath the ice‐dropping trees , and let the sleep that weighed so heavily on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyelids come , dreamless and painless , and there would be an end of all for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , as for the frozen rabbits and the birds that strewed [the upland meadows]_{1631-the upland meadows} , starved and stiff . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} did not know;—and had [she]_{104-folle‐farine} known , wretched though existence was to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , death would not have allured [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw that the dead might be slapped on [their]_1632-their cheek , and could not lift [their]_1632-their arm to strike again — a change that would not give [her]_{104-folle‐farine} vengeance could have had no sweetness and no succour for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . The change [she]_{104-folle‐farine} wanted was to live , not to die . By tedious and painful efforts , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} dragged [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} [home]_497-home by the way of [the lanes]_{477-the lanes} and [pastures]_{1623-pastures} ; hungry , lame , bleeding , cold and miserable , with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes burning , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head hot with fever . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} made [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way into [the mill‐yard]_{1636-the mill‐yard} and tried to commence [her]_{104-folle‐farine} first morning ’s work ; the drawing of water from the well for the beasts and for [the house]_{323-the house} , and the sweeping down of [the old wide court round which [the sheds]_{1639-the sheds} and [storehouses]_{1640-storehouses} ran]_{1638-the old wide court round which the sheds and storehouses ran} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} never dreamed of asking either for food or pity , either for sympathy or remission of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} labours . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} set to work at once , but for the only time since [Phratos]_121-phratos had brought [her]_{104-folle‐farine} thither , the strength and vigour of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} frame had been beaten . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was sick and weak ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hand sank off the handle of the windlass ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} dropped stupidly on the stone edge of the well , and sat there leaning [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands . [The mastiff]_{348-the mastiff} came and licked [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face tenderly . The pigeons left the meal flung to [them]_1642-them on the snow , and flew merrily about [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head in pretty fluttering caresses . The lean cat came and rubbed its cheek softly against [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , purring all the while . [The woman]_{633-the woman} [Pitchou]_147-pitchou saw [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and [she]_147-pitchou called out of the window to [[her]_147-pitchou master]_{640-her master} . “ [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} ! there is [thy]_147-pitchou gad‐about , who has not been [a ’ bed all night]_{5977-a ’ bed all night} . ”_{[147-pitchou]} [The old man]_{335-the old man} heard , and came out of [[his]_{335-the old man} mill]_{1646-his mill} to [the well in [the courtyard]_{5293-the courtyard}]_{1647-the well in the courtyard} . “ Where hast been ? ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} asked sharply of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . “ [Pitchou]_147-pitchou says [thou]_147-pitchou hast not lain in [thy]_147-pitchou bed all night long . Is it so ? ”_{[335-the old man]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} lifted [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head slowly , with a dazed stupid pain in the look of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes . “ Yes , it is true , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} answered , doggedly . “ And where hast been then ? ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} asked , through [his]_{335-the old man} clenched teeth ; enraged that [[his]_{335-the old man} servant]_{5819-his servant} had been quicker of eye and ear than [himself]_{335-the old man} . A little of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} old dauntless defiance gleamed in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face through its stupor and langour , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} replied to [him]_{335-the old man} with effort in brief phrases . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} went after [old Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} , to give [her]_{148-manon dax} [my]_{104-folle‐farine} supper . [She]_{148-manon dax} died in [the road]_{4855-the road} , and [I]_{104-folle‐farine} carried [her]_{148-manon dax} [home]_497-home . And [the youngest child]_{5980-the youngest child} was dead too . [I]_{104-folle‐farine} stayed [there]_439-there because [the children]_{452-the children} were alone ; [I]_{104-folle‐farine} called to [Flandrin]_153-flandrin and told [him]_153-flandrin ; [he]_153-flandrin came with [[his]_153-flandrin wife]_{501-his wife} and [other women]_{5984-other women} , and [they]_{452-the children} said [I]_{104-folle‐farine} had killed [old Dax]_{148-manon dax} ; [they]_{452-the children} set on [me]_{104-folle‐farine} , and beat [me]_{104-folle‐farine} , and pricked [me]_{104-folle‐farine} for [a witch]_{5950-a witch} . It is no matter . But it made [me]_{104-folle‐farine} late . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} In [her]_1650-her glance upward , even in the curtness of [her]_1650-her words , there was an unconscious glimmer of appeal , a vague fancy that for once [she]_1650-her might , perhaps , meet with approval and sympathy , instead of punishment and contempt . [She]_1650-her had never heard a kind word from [him]_1651-him , nor one of any compassion , and yet a dim unuttered hope was in [her]_1650-her heart , that for once [he]_1651-him might condemn [[her]_1650-her persecutors]_{1652-her persecutors} and pardon [her]_1650-her . But the hope was a vain one , like all which [she]_1650-her had cherished since first the door of [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} had opened to admit [her]_1650-her . [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} only set [his]_1651-him teeth tighter . In [his]_1651-him own soul [he]_1651-him had been almost ashamed of [his]_1651-him denial to [[his]_1651-him old neighbour]_{1654-his old neighbour} , and had almost feared , that it would lose [him]_1651-him the good will of that good heaven which sent [him]_1651-him so mercifully such a sharp year of famine to enrich [him]_1651-him . Therefore , it infuriated [him]_1651-him , to think that [this offspring of a foul sin]_{1655-this offspring of a foul sin} should have had pity and charity , where [he]_1651-him had lacked [them]_1656-them . [He]_1651-him looked at [her]_1650-her and saw with grim glee , that [she]_1650-her was black and blue with bruises , and that the linen which [she]_1650-her held together across [her]_1650-her bosom had been stained with blood . “ [Flandrin]_153-flandrin and [[his]_153-flandrin wife]_{501-his wife} are [honest people]_{5987-honest people} , and pious , ”_[1651-him] [he]_1651-him said , in answer to [her]_1650-her . “ When [they]_5988-they find [a wench]_{5989-a wench} out of [her]_1650-her bed at night , [they]_5988-they deal rightly with [her]_1650-her , and do not hearken to any lies that [she]_1650-her may tell [them]_5988-they of feigned alms‐giving to cover [her]_1650-her vices from [their]_5988-they sight . [I]_1651-him thank [them]_5988-they that [they]_5988-they did so much of [my]_1651-him work for [me]_1651-him . [They]_5988-they might well prick [thee]_1657-her for [a witch]_{5950-a witch} ; but [they]_5988-they will never cut so deep into [thy]_1657-her breast , as to be able to dig the mark of the devil out of it . Now , up and work , or it will be worse for [thee]_1657-her . ”_[1651-him] [She]_1657-her obeyed [him]_1658-his . There during the dark winter ’s day , the pain which [she]_1657-her endured , with [her]_1657-her hunger and the cold of the weather , made [her]_1657-her fall thrice , like a dead thing , on the snow of [the court]_{5292-the court} , and the floors of [the sheds]_{1639-the sheds} . But [she]_1657-her lay insensible till [the youth in [her]_1657-her]_{1661-the youth in her} brought back consciousness , without aid ; in those moments of faintness , [no one]_{264-no one} noticed [her]_1657-her save the dog , who came and crept to [her]_1657-her to give [her]_1657-her warmth , and strove to wake [her]_1657-her with the kisses of [his]_1658-his rough tongue . [She]_1657-her did [her]_1657-her work as best [she]_1657-her might ; neither [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} nor [[his]_1658-his servant]_{5819-his servant} once spoke to [her]_1657-her . “ [[My]_{1449-the man flandrin} women]_{5991-my women} dealt somewhat roughly with [[thy]_{1449-the man flandrin} wench]_{5992-thy wench} at break of day , good [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} , ”_{[1449-the man flandrin]} said [the man [Flandrin]_153-flandrin]_{1449-the man flandrin} , meeting [him]_1658-his in [the lane]_{1665-the lane} that afternoon , and fearful of offending [the shrewd old man who had so many of [[his]_1658-his neighbours]_{505-his neighbours} in [his]_1658-his grip]_{1666-the shrewd old man who had so many of his neighbours in his grip} . “ [I]_{1449-the man flandrin} hope [thou]_{1449-the man flandrin} wilt not take it amiss ? [The girl]_{5116-the girl} maddened [[my]_{1449-the man flandrin} dame]_{5994-my dame} — spitting on [her]_{5994-my dame} Peter , and throwing the blessed image away in a ditch . ”_{[1449-the man flandrin]} “ [The woman]_{633-the woman} did well , ”_{[117-reine flamma]} said [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} coldly , driving [his]_1658-his grey mare onward through the fog . [Flandrin]_153-flandrin could not tell whether [he]_153-flandrin were content , or were displeased . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} hardly knew which [he]_{115-claudis flamma} was , [himself]_{115-claudis flamma} ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} held [her]_1668-she as the very spawn of hell itself , and yet it was loathsome to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , that [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} neighbours]_{505-his neighbours} should also know , and say , that [a devil]_{678-a devil} had been the only fruit of [that fair offspring of [his]_{115-claudis flamma} own]_{1671-that fair offspring of his own} , whom [he]_{115-claudis flamma} and [they]_{505-his neighbours} had so long held as [a saint]_{4870-a saint} . The next day and the next , and the next again after that , [she]_1668-she was too ill to stir ; [they]_{505-his neighbours} beat [her]_1668-she and called [her]_1668-she names , but it was of no use ; [they]_{505-his neighbours} could not get work out of [her]_1668-she ; [she]_1668-she was past it , and beyond all rousing of [their]_{505-his neighbours} sticks , or of [their]_{505-his neighbours} words . [They]_{505-his neighbours} were obliged to let [her]_1668-she be . [She]_1668-she stayed for nearly four days in the hay in [[her]_1668-she loft]_{1673-her loft} ; devoured with fever , and with every bone and muscle in pain . [She]_1668-she had a pitcher of water by [her]_1668-she and drank continually , thirstily , like a sick dog . With rest and no medicine but the cold spring water , [she]_1668-she recovered : [she]_1668-she had been delirious in a few of the hours , and had dreamed of nothing but of the old life in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} , and of the old sweet music of [Phratos]_121-phratos . [She]_1668-she remained there untended , shivering and fever‐stricken , until the strength of [her]_1668-she youth returned to [her]_1668-she . [She]_1668-she rose on the fifth day weaker , but otherwise little the worse ; with the soft sad songs of [[her]_1668-she old friend]_{1674-her old friend} the viol ringing always through [her]_1668-she brain . The fifth day from the death of [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} , was the day of the new year . There was no work being done at [the mill]_{281-the mill} ; the wheel stood still , locked fast , for [the deep stream]_{1676-the deep stream} was close bound in ice ; frost had returned , and [the country]_{751-the country} was white with snow two feet deep , and bleak and bare , and rioted over by furious cross winds . [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} and [Pitchou]_147-pitchou were in [the kitchen]_{5817-the kitchen} when [she]_1668-she entered [it]_{5817-the kitchen} ; [they]_1679-they looked up , but [neither]_1680-neither spoke to [her]_1668-she . In being ill — for the first time since [they]_1679-they had had to do with [her,—she]_1668-she had committed , for the millionth time , a crime . There was no welcome for [her]_1668-she in [that cheerless place]_{1681-that cheerless place} , where scarcely a spark of fire was allowed to brighten the heart , and where the hens , straying in from without , sat with ruffled feathers , chilled and moping , and where the Black Forest clock in the corner , had stopped from the intense cold . There was no welcome for [her]_1668-she — [she]_1668-she went out into the air , thinking [the woods]_{344-the woods} , even at midwinter , could not be so lonesome as was [the cheerless house]_{1683-the cheerless house} . The sun was shining through a rift in the stormy clouds , and the white roofs , and the ice‐crusted waters , and the frosted trees , were glittering in its light . There were many dead birds about [the paths]_{1684-the paths} . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} had thought [their]_1679-they famine‐time a good one , in which to tempt [them]_1679-they with poisoned grain . [She]_1668-she wondered where the dog was who never had failed to greet [[her,—a]_{115-claudis flamma} yard]_{1685-her,—a yard} farther on [she]_1668-she saw [him]_1686-him . [He]_1686-him was stretched stiff and lifeless beside the old barrel that had served [him]_1686-him as [a kennel]_{1687-a kennel} ; [[his]_1686-him master]_{1688-his master} had begrudged [him]_1686-him the little straw needful to keep [him]_1686-him from the hurricanes of those bitter nights ; and [he]_1686-him had perished quietly , without a moan , like [a sentinel slain at [his]_1686-him post]_{1689-a sentinel slain at his post} — frozen to death in [his]_1686-him old age after a life of faithfulness repaid with blows . [She]_1668-she stood by [him]_1686-him a while with dry eyes , but with an aching heart . [He]_1686-him had loved [her]_1668-she , and [she]_1668-she had loved [him]_1686-him ; and many a time [she]_1668-she had risked a stroke of the lash to save it from [his]_1686-him body ; and many a time [she]_1668-she had sobbed [herself]_1668-she to sleep in [her]_1668-she earlier years , with [her]_1668-she arms curled round [him]_1686-him , as round [[her]_1668-she only friend]_{5494-her only friend} and [only comrade in bondage and in misery]_{1691-only comrade in bondage and in misery} . [She]_1668-she stooped down ; kissed [him]_1686-him softly on [his]_1686-him broad grizzled forehead , and lifted [his]_1686-him corpse into a place of shelter , and covered it tenderly , so that [he]_1686-him should not be left to the crows and the kites , until [she]_1668-she should be able to make [his]_1686-him grave in [those orchards in which [he]_1686-him had loved so well to wander , and in which [he]_1686-him and [she]_1668-she had spent all [their]_1693-their brief hours of summer liberty and leisure]_{1692-those orchards in which he had loved so well to wander , and in which he and she had spent all their brief hours of summer liberty and leisure} . [She]_1668-she shuddered as [she]_1668-she looked [her]_1668-she last on [him]_1686-him ; and filled in the snow above [[his]_1686-him tomb]_{1694-his tomb} , under the old twisted pear tree , beneath which , [he]_1686-him and [she]_1668-she had so often sat together in the long grasses , consoling [one another]_{700-one another} for scant fare and cruel blows by the exquisite mute sympathy which can exist betwixt the canine and the human animal when [the two]_{5129-the two} are alone , and love and trust [each other]_{555-each other} , only , out of all [the world]_{268-the world} . Whilst the dog had lived , [she]_1668-she had had [two friends]_{1699-two friends} ; now that [he]_1686-him slept for ever in [the old grey orchard]_{1700-the old grey orchard} , [she]_1668-she had but one left . [She]_1668-she went to seek this one . [Her]_1668-she heart ached for a kind glance — for a word that should be neither of hatred or of scorn . It was seldom that [she]_1668-she allowed [herself]_1668-she to know such a weakness . [She]_1668-she had dauntless blood in [her]_1668-she ; [she]_1668-she came of [a people that despised pity , and who knew how to live hard , and to die hard , without murmur or appeal]_{1701-a people that despised pity , and who knew how to live hard , and to die hard , without murmur or appeal} . Yet [she]_1668-she had clung to [the old mastiff]_{1702-the old mastiff} , who was savage to all save [herself]_1668-she ; so [she]_1668-she still clung to [the old man [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} who to all save [herself]_1668-she]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} was [a terror and a name of foul omen]_{1704-a terror and a name of foul omen} . [He]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} was good to [her]_1668-she in [his]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} own fierce and rugged way ; and [they]_1705-they had the kinship of [the proscribed]_{5495-the proscribed} ; and [they]_1705-they loved [one another]_{700-one another} in a strange , silent , savage manner , as [a yearling wolf cub]_{1708-a yearling wolf cub} and an aged grizzled bear might love each other in [the depths of forest]_{1709-the depths of forest} , where the foot of [the hunter and the fangs of the hound]_{1710-the hunter and the fangs of the hound} were alike against [the young]_{1711-the young} and the old . [She]_1668-she had not seen [him]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} for six days . [She]_1668-she felt ill , and weak , and cold , and alone . [She]_1668-she thought [she]_1668-she would go to [him]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} in [[his]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} hut]_{1712-his hut} , and sit a little by [his]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} lonely hearth , and hear [him]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} tell strange stories of the marvelous time when [he]_{1703-the old man marcellin who to all save herself} was young , and [the world]_{268-the world} was drunk with a mad sweet dream which had never come true upon [earth]_5276-earth . [Her]_1668-she heart was in wild revolt , and a fierce futile hate gnawed ever in it . [She]_1668-she had become used to the indignities of [the populace]_{5247-the populace} , and the insults of [all the people who went to and fro [[her]_1668-she grandsire ’s place]_{1717-her grandsire ’s place}]_{1716-all the people who went to and fro her grandsire ’s place} ; but each one pierced deeper and deeper than the last , and left a longer scar , and killed more and more of the gentler and better instincts which had survived in [her]_1668-she through all the brutalising debasement of [her]_1668-she life . [She]_1668-she could not avenge the outrage of [Rose Flandrin]_153-flandrin and [[her]_1668-she sisterhood]_{1718-her sisterhood} , and being unable to avenge it , [she]_1668-she shut [her]_1668-she mouth and said nothing of it , as [her]_1668-she habit was . Nevertheless it festered and rankled in [her]_1668-she ; and now and then the thought crossed [her]_1668-she — why not take a flint and a bit of tow , and burn [them]_1719-them all in [their]_1719-them beds as [they]_1719-them slept in [that little hollow at the foot of [the hill]_{1523-the hill}]_{1720-that little hollow at the foot of the hill} ? [She]_1668-she thought of it often — would [she]_1668-she ever do it ? [She]_1668-she did not know . It had a taint of cowardice in it ; yet [a man that very winter]_{1722-a man that very winter} had fired [a farmstead]_{1723-a farmstead} for far less an injury , and had burned to death [all who had lain therein that night]_{1724-all who had lain therein that night} . Why should [she]_1668-she not kill and burn these also ? [They]_1719-them had never essayed to teach [her]_1668-she to do better , and when [she]_1668-she had tried to do good to [one of [them]_1719-them]_{1437-one of them} , [the others]_{1726-the others} had set on [her]_1668-she as [a witch]_{5950-a witch} . In the afternoon of this first day of the year [she]_1668-she had to pass through [[their]_1719-them hamlet]_{1728-their hamlet} to seek [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} . The sun was low and red ; the dusky light glowered over [the white meadows]_{1729-the white meadows} and through the leafless twilight of [the woods]_{344-the woods} ; here and there a solitary tree of holly reared itself , scarlet and tall , from the snowdrifts ; here and there a sheaf of arrowy reeds pierced the sheets of ice that covered [all the streams and pools]_{1731-all the streams and pools} . [The little village]_{1732-the little village} lay with [its]_{1732-the little village} dark round roofs , cosy and warm , with all the winter round . [She]_1668-she strode through [it]_{1732-the little village} erect , and flashing [her]_1668-she scornful eyes right and left ; but [her]_1668-she right hand was inside [her]_1668-she skirt . For such was the lesson which the reward for [her]_1668-she charity had taught [her]_1668-she — a lesson not lightly to be forgotten , nor swiftly to be unlearned again . In [its]_{1732-the little village} simple mode , [the little place]_{1733-the little place} , like [[its]_{1732-the little village} greater neighbours]_{1734-its greater neighbours} , kept high festival for a fresh year begun . [Its]_{1732-the little village} crucifix rose , bare and white , out of a crown of fir boughs and many wreaths of ruddy berries . On [its]_{1732-the little village} cabin windows the light of wood cracking and blazing within glowed brightly . Through [them]_1735-them [she]_1668-she saw many of [their]_1735-them interiors as [she]_1668-she went by in the shadow without . In one [the children]_{452-the children} knelt in a circle round the fire , roasting chestnuts in the embers with gay shouts of laughter . In another , [they]_{452-the children} romped with [their]_{452-the children} big sheepdog , decking [him]_1737-him with garlands of ivy and laurel . In [one little brown room]_{1738-one little brown room} [a betrothal party]_{1739-a betrothal party} made merry ; in another , that was bright with Dutch tiles , and hug round with dried herbs and fruits , [an old matron]_{1740-an old matron} had [her]_{1740-an old matron} arm round the curly head of [a sailor lad]_{1741-a sailor lad} , [home]_497-home for a short glad hour . In [the house of [Flandrin]_153-flandrin]_{1743-the house of flandrin} a huge soup‐pot smoked with savoury odour , and the eyes of [[his]_153-flandrin wife]_{501-his wife} were soft with a tender mirth as [she]_{501-his wife} watched [[her]_{501-his wife} youngest‐born]_{1745-her youngest‐born} playing with a Punch , all bells and bright colours , and saw [the elder ones]_{1746-the elder ones} cluster round a gilded Jesus of sugar . In the wine‐shop , [the keeper of it]_{1747-the keeper of it} , having taken to [himself]_{1747-the keeper of it} [a wife]_{1748-a wife} that day , kept open house to [[his]_{1747-the keeper of it} friends]_{836-his friends} , and [he]_{1747-the keeper of it} and [they]_{836-his friends} were dancing to the music of a horn and a fiddle , under rafters bedecked with branches of fir , with many‐hued ribands , and with little oil‐lamps that blew to and fro in the noise of the romp . And all round were the dark still woods , and in the midst rose the crucifix ; and above , on [the height of [the hill]_{1523-the hill}]_{1750-the height of the hill} , [the little old hut of [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax}]_{1752-the little old hut of manon dax} stood dark and empty . [She]_{501-his wife} looked at it all , going through it , with [her]_{501-his wife} hand on [her]_{501-his wife} knife . “ One spark , ”_{[501-his wife]} [she]_{501-his wife} thought , playing with the grim temptation that possessed her—“one spark on the dry thatch , and what a bonfire [they]_{5831-these people} would have for [their]_{5831-these people} feasting ! ”_{[501-his wife]} The thought was sweet to [her]_{501-his wife} . [Injustice]_{155-injustice} had made [her]_{501-his wife} ravenous and savage . When [she]_{501-his wife} had tried to do well , and to save life , [these people]_{5831-these people} had accused [her]_{501-his wife} of taking it by evil sorcery . [She]_{501-his wife} felt a longing to show [them]_{5831-these people} what evil indeed [she]_{501-his wife} could do , and to see [them]_{5831-these people} burn , and to hear [them]_{5831-these people} scream vainly , and then to say to [them]_{5831-these people} with a laugh , as the flames licked up [[their]_{5831-these people} homes]_{5236-their homes} and [their]_{5831-these people} lives , “ Another time , take care how [you]_{5831-these people} awake [a witch]_{5950-a witch} ! ”_{[501-his wife]} Why did [she]_{501-his wife} not do it ? [She]_{501-his wife} did not know ; [she]_{501-his wife} had brought out a flint and tinder in the pouch that hung at [her]_{501-his wife} side . It would be as easy as to pluck a sere leaf ; [she]_{501-his wife} knew that . [She]_{501-his wife} stood still and played with [her]_{501-his wife} fancy , and it was horrible and sweet to [her]_{501-his wife} — so sweet because so horrible . How soon [their]_{5831-these people} mirth would be stilled ! As [she]_{501-his wife} stood thinking , there , and in [her]_{501-his wife} fancy seeing the red glare that would light up [that peaceful place]_{1755-that peaceful place} , and hearing the roar of the lurid flames that would drown the music , and the laughter , and [the children]_{452-the children} ’s shouts , out of the twilight there rose to [her]_{501-his wife} a small dark thing , with a halo round its head : the thing was [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} , and the halo was the shine of [his]_{150-bernardou} curling hair in the lingering light . [He]_{150-bernardou} caught [her]_{501-his wife} skirts in [his]_{150-bernardou} hands , and clung to [her]_{501-his wife} and sobbed . “ [I]_{150-bernardou} know [you]_{501-his wife} — [you]_{501-his wife} were good that night . [The people]_{4948-the people} all say [you]_{501-his wife} are wicked , but [you]_{501-his wife} gave [us]_5998-us [your]_{501-his wife} food , and held [my]_{150-bernardou} hand . Take [me]_{150-bernardou} back to gran’mère — oh , take [me]_{150-bernardou} back ! ”_{[150-bernardou]} [She]_{501-his wife} was startled and bewildered . [This child]_{716-this child} had never mocked [her]_{501-his wife} , but [he]_{150-bernardou} had screamed and run from [her]_{501-his wife} in terror , and had been told a score of stories that [she]_{501-his wife} was [a devil]_{678-a devil} , who could kill [his]_{150-bernardou} body and soul . “ [She]_{501-his wife} is dead , [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} , ”_{[501-his wife]} [she]_{501-his wife} answered [him]_{150-bernardou} ; and [her]_{501-his wife} voice was troubled , and sounded strangely to [her]_{501-his wife} as [she]_{501-his wife} spoke for the first time to [a child]_{657-a child} without being derided or screamed at in fear . “ Dead ! What is that ? ”_{[4995-the boy]} sobbed [the boy]_{4995-the boy} . “ [She]_{501-his wife} was stiff and cold , [I]_{4995-the boy} know , and [they]_5999-they put [her]_{501-his wife} in a hole ; but [she]_{501-his wife} would waken , [I]_{4995-the boy} know [she]_{501-his wife} would , if [she]_{501-his wife} only heard [us]_6000-us . [We]_6000-us never cried in the night but [she]_{501-his wife} heard in [her]_{501-his wife} sleep , and got up and came to [us]_6000-us . Oh , do tell [her]_{501-his wife} — do , do tell [her]_{501-his wife} ! ”_{[4995-the boy]} [She]_{501-his wife} was silent ; [she]_{501-his wife} did not know how to answer [him]_{4995-the boy} , and the strangeness of any human appeal made to [her]_{501-his wife} bewildered [her]_{501-his wife} and made [her]_{501-his wife} mute . “ Why are [you]_{4995-the boy} out in the cold , [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} ? ”_{[501-his wife]} [she]_{501-his wife} asked [him]_{4995-the boy} suddenly , glancing backward through the lattice of [[the Flandrins]_{1761-the flandrins} ’ house]_{1762-the flandrins ’ house} , through which [she]_{501-his wife} could see [the infants]_{1763-the infants} laughing and shaking the puppet with gilded bells . “ [They]_{1763-the infants} beat [me]_{4995-the boy} ; [they]_{1763-the infants} say [I]_{4995-the boy} am naughty , because [I]_{4995-the boy} want gran’mère , ”_{[4995-the boy]} [he]_{4995-the boy} said , with a sob . “ [they]_{1763-the infants} beat [me]_{4995-the boy} often , and oh ! if [she]_{501-his wife} knew , [she]_{501-his wife} would wake and come . Do tell [her]_{501-his wife} — do ! [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} will be so good , and never vex [her]_{501-his wife} , if only [she]_{501-his wife} will come back ! ”_{[4995-the boy]} [His]_{4995-the boy} piteous voice was drowned in tears . [His]_{4995-the boy} little life had been hard ; scant fare , cold winds , and naked limbs had been [his]_{4995-the boy} portion ; yet the life had been bright and gleeful to [him]_{4995-the boy} , clinging to [his]_{4995-the boy} grandam ’s skirts as [she]_1764-her washed at the tub or hoed in [the cabbage‐ground]_{1765-the cabbage‐ground} , catching [her]_1764-her smile when [he]_{4995-the boy} brought [her]_1764-her the first daisy of the year , running always to [her]_1764-her open arms in any hurt , sinking to sleep always with the singing of [her]_1764-her old ballads on [his]_{4995-the boy} ear . It had been a little life , dear , glad , kindly , precious to [him]_{4995-the boy} , and [he]_{4995-the boy} wept for it ; refusing to be comforted by sight of a gilded puppet in another ’s hand , or a sugared Jesus in another ’s mouth , as [they]_1766-they expected [him]_{4995-the boy} to be . It is the sort of comfort that is always offered to [the homeless]_{1767-the homeless} , and [they]_{1767-the homeless} are always thought ungrateful if [they]_{1767-the homeless} will not be consoled by it . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} wish [I]_{104-folle‐farine} could take [you]_{4995-the boy} , [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} murmured , with a momentary softness that was exquisitely tender in its contrast to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} haughty and fierce temper . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} wish [I]_{104-folle‐farine} could . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} For one wild instant the thought came to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to break from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bonds , and take this creature who was as lonely as [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} , and to wander away and away into [that unknown land which stretched around]_{1768-that unknown land which stretched around} [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and of which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew no more than one of the dark leaves knew that grew in [the snow‐filled ditch]_{1769-the snow‐filled ditch} . But the thought passed unuttered ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew neither where to go nor what to do . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} few early years in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} were too dream‐like and too vaguely remembered to be [any guide to [her]_{104-folle‐farine}]_{1770-any guide to her} ; and [the world]_{268-the world} seemed only to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} fancies as [a vast plain , dreary and dismal , in which every hand would be against [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and every living thing be hostile to [her]_{104-folle‐farine}]_{1772-a vast plain , dreary and dismal , in which every hand would be against her , and every living thing be hostile to her} . Beside , the long habitude of slavery was on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and it is a yoke that eats into the flesh too deeply to be wrenched off without many an effort . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stood thinking , with [the child]_{272-the child} ’s eager hands clasping [her]_{104-folle‐farine} skirts , a shrill voice called from the woodstack and dung‐heap outside [[Flandrin]_153-flandrin ’s house]_{1774-flandrin ’s house} : “ [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} ! [Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} ! [thou]_6001-thou little plague . Come within . What dost do out there in the dark ? Mischief , [I]_{789-the speaker} will warrant . ”_{[789-the speaker]} [The speaker]_{789-the speaker} strode out , and snatched and bore and clutched [him]_153-flandrin away ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was [the sister of [Rose Flandrin]_153-flandrin]_{1776-the sister of rose flandrin} , who lived with [them]_1777-them , and kept [the place]_{342-the place} and [the children]_{452-the children} in order . “ [Thou]_6001-thou little beast ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} muttered , in fury . “ Dost dare talk to [the witch that killed [[they]_1777-them grandmother]_{6003-they grandmother}]_{6002-the witch that killed they grandmother} ? [Thou]_6001-thou shalt hie to bed , and sup on a fine whipping . Thank [God]_118-god , [thou]_6001-thou goest to [the hospital]_{6004-the hospital} tomorrow ! [Thou]_6001-thou woudst bring a dire curse on [the house]_{323-the house} in reward for [our]_{1781-the flandrin family} alms to [thee]_6001-thou . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} dragged [him]_1780-him in and slammed‐to the door , and [his]_1780-him cries echoed above the busy shouts and laughter of [the Flandrin family]_{1781-the flandrin family} , gathered about the tinselled Punch and [the sugared Jesus]_{1782-the sugared jesus} , and the soup‐pot , that stewed [them]_{1781-the flandrin family} a fat farm‐yard goose for [their]_{1781-the flandrin family} supper . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} listened awhile , with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hand clenched on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} knife ; then [she]_{104-folle‐farine} toiled onward through [the village]_{1466-the village} , and left it and its carols and carousings behind [her]_{104-folle‐farine} in the red glow of the sinking sun . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} thought no more of setting [[their]_{1781-the flandrin family} huts]_{1784-their huts} in a blaze ; [the child]_{272-the child} ’s words had touched and softened [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} remembered the long patient bitter life of [the woman who had died of cold and hunger in [her]_{1786-the woman who had died of cold and hunger in her eighty‐second year} eighty‐second year]_{1786-the woman who had died of cold and hunger in her eighty‐second year} , and yet who had thus died saying to the last , “ [God]_118-god is good . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} “ What is [[their]_{1781-the flandrin family} God]_{1335-their god} ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} mused . “ [They]_{1781-the flandrin family} care for [him]_{1335-their god} , and [he]_{1335-their god} seems to care nothing for [them]_{1781-the flandrin family} whether [they]_{1781-the flandrin family} be old or young . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} Yet [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heat was softened , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would not fire [the house in which [little Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} was sheltered]_{1787-the house in which little bernardou was sheltered} . [His]_1788-his was the first gratitude that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had ever met with , and it was sweet to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as the rare blossom of the edelweiss to the traveller upon [the highest Alpine summits]_{1789-the highest alpine summits} — a flower full of promise , born amidst a waste . The way was long to where [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} dwelt , but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} walked on through the fields that were in summer all one scarlet glow of poppies , and were now a white sheet of frozen water . The day was over , the evening drew nigh , the sound of innumerable bells in [the town]_{482-the town} echoed faintly from the distance , over the snow : all was still . On the night of the new year [the people]_{4948-the people} had a care that the cattle in [the byers]_{1792-the byers} , the sheep in the folds , the dogs in [the kennels]_{1793-the kennels} , the swine in [the styes]_{1794-the styes} , the old cart‐horses in [the sheds]_{1639-the sheds} , should have a full meal and a clean bed , and be able to rejoice . In [all the country]_{1796-all the country} round there were [only two that were forgotten]_{1797-only two that were forgotten} — [the dead in [their]_{1798-the dead in their graves} graves]_{1798-the dead in their graves} , and [the daughter of [Taric]_124-taric]_{1799-the daughter of taric} . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} was cold , hungry , and exhausted , for the fever had left [her]_{104-folle‐farine} enfeebled ; and from the coarse food of [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} [her]_{104-folle‐farine} weakness had turned . But [she]_{104-folle‐farine} walked on steadily . At [the hut where [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} dwelt]_{1801-the hut where marcellin dwelt} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would be sure of one welcome , one smile ; one voice that would greet [her]_{104-folle‐farine} kindly ; one face that would look on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} without a frown . It would not matter , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought , how the winds should howl and the hail drive , or how [the people]_{4948-the people} should be merry in [[their]_{4948-the people} homes]_{5236-their homes} and forgetful of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} and of [him]_1804-him . [He]_1804-him and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would sit together over the little fire , and give back hate for hate and scorn for scorn , and commune with [each other]_{555-each other} , and want no other cheer or comrade . It had been always so since [he]_1804-him had first met [her]_{104-folle‐farine} at sunset amongst the poppies , then [a little child of eight years old]_{1806-a little child of eight years old} . Every new‐year ’s night [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had spent with [him]_1804-him in [[his]_1804-him hovel]_{1807-his hovel} ; and in [their]_1808-their own mute way [they]_1808-their had loved [one another]_{700-one another} , and drawn closer together , and been almost glad , though often pitcher and platter had been empty , and sometimes even the hearth had been cold . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} stepped bravely against the wind , and over the crisp firm snow , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} spirits rising as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} drew near the only place that had ever opened [its]_{1807-his hovel} door gladly to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} coming ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart growing lighter as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} approached [the only creature to whom [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had ever spoken [her]_{104-folle‐farine} thoughts without derision or told [her]_{104-folle‐farine} woes without condemnation]_{1810-the only creature to whom she had ever spoken her thoughts without derision or told her woes without condemnation} . [[His]_1804-him hut]_{1712-his hut} stood by [itself]_{1712-his hut} in the midst of [the wide pastures]_{1812-the wide pastures} , and by [the side of [a stream]_{1814-a stream}]_{1813-the side of a stream} . A little light was wo nt to twinkle at that hour through the crevices of [its]_{1712-his hut} wooden shutter ; this evening all was dark , the outline of [the hovel]_{1815-the hovel} rose like a rugged mound against [the white wastes round [it]_{1712-his hut}]_{1816-the white wastes round it} . The only sound was the far‐off chiming of the bells that vibrated strangely on the rarefied sharp air . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} crossed [the last meadow]_{1817-the last meadow} where the sheep were folded for the night , and went to the door and pushed against it to open it — it was locked . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} struck it with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hand . “ Open , [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} — open quickly . It is only [I.]_{104-folle‐farine} ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} There was no answer . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} smote the wood more loudly , and called to [him]_1804-him again . A heavy step echoed on the mud floor within ; a match was struck , a dull light glimmered ; a voice [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did not know muttered drowsily , “ Who is there ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} “ It is [I]_{104-folle‐farine} , [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} answered . “ It is not night . [I]_{104-folle‐farine} am come to be an hour with [you]_{135-marcellin} . Is anything amiss ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} The door opened slowly , [an old woman]_{5264-an old woman} , whose face was strange to [her]_{5264-an old woman} , peered out into the dusk . [She]_{5264-an old woman} had been asleep on the settle by the fire , and stared stupidly at the flame of [her]_{5264-an old woman} own lamp . “ Is it [the old man]_{335-the old man} , [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , [you]_{135-marcellin} want ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [she]_{5264-an old woman} asked . “ [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , yes — where is [he]_{335-the old man} ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} “ [He]_{335-the old man} died four days ago . Get [you]_{135-marcellin} gone ; [I]_{104-folle‐farine} will have no tramps about [[my]_{104-folle‐farine} place]_{6008-my place} . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} “ Died ! ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} stood erect , without a quiver in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face or in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} limbs ; but [her]_{104-folle‐farine} teeth shut together like a steel clasp , and all the rich and golden hues of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} skin changed to a sickly ashen pallor . “ Yes , why not ? ”_{[334-the old woman]} grumbled [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} . “ To be sure [men]_364-men said that [God]_118-god would never [him]_{335-the old man} die , because [he]_{335-the old man} killed [St. Louis]_{33-st. louis} ; but [myself]_{334-the old woman} [I]_{334-the old woman} never thought that . [I]_{334-the old woman} knew [the devil]_{4853-the devil} would not wait more than a hundred years for [him]_{335-the old man} — [you]_6011-you can never cheat [the devil]_{4853-the devil} , and [he]_{335-the old man} always seems stronger than [the saints]_{329-the saints} — somehow . [You]_6011-you are [that thing of Yprès]_{6014-that thing of yprès} , are [you]_6011-you not ? Get [you]_6011-you gone ! ”_{[334-the old woman]} “ Who are [you]_6011-you ? Why are [you]_6011-you here ? ”_[1820-her] [she]_1820-her gasped . [Her]_1820-her right hand was clenched on the door‐post , and [her]_1820-her right foot was set on the threshold , so that the door could not be closed . “ [I]_{638-the old peasant} am [an honest woman]_{5974-an honest woman} and [a pious]_{6016-a pious} ; and it befouls [me]_{638-the old peasant} to dwell where [he]_{335-the old man} dwelt , ”_{[638-the old peasant]} [the old peasant]_{638-the old peasant} hissed in loud indignation . “ [I]_{638-the old peasant} stood out a whole day , but when [one]_1305-one is poor and [the place]_{342-the place} is offered quit of rent , what can [one]_1305-one do?—and [it]_{342-the place} is roomy and airy for the fowls , and [the priest]_{5122-the priest} has flung holy water about and purified it , and [I]_{638-the old peasant} have a Horse‐shoe nailed up , and a St. John in the corner . But be off with [you]_{104-folle‐farine} , and take [your]_{104-folle‐farine} foot from [my]_{638-the old peasant} door . ”_{[638-the old peasant]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} stood motionless . “ When did [he]_{335-the old man} die ; and how ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} asked in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} teeth . “ [He]_{335-the old man} was found dead on [the road]_{4855-the road} , on [his]_{335-the old man} heap of stones , the fourth night from this , ”_{[334-the old woman]} answered [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} , loving to hear [her]_{334-the old woman} own tongue , yet dreading the one to whom [she]_{334-the old woman} spoke . “ Perhaps [he]_{335-the old man} had been hungered , [I]_1823-she do not know ; or more likely [the devil]_{4853-the devil} would not wait any longer ; anyways , [he]_{335-the old man} was dead — the hammer in [his]_{335-the old man} hand . [Max Liében]_{156-max liében} , [the man that travels with the wooden clocks]_{6023-the man that travels with the wooden clocks} , found [him]_{335-the old man} . [He]_{335-the old man} lay there all night . [Nobody]_5761-nobody would touch [him]_{335-the old man} . [They]_5761-nobody say [they]_5761-nobody saw the mark of [the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s claws on [him]_{335-the old man} . At last [they]_5761-nobody got a dung‐cart , and took [him]_{335-the old man} away before the sun rose . [He]_{335-the old man} died just under [the great Calvary]_{43-the calvary} — it was like [his]_{335-the old man} blasphemy . [They]_5761-nobody have put [him]_{335-the old man} in [the common ditch]_{6026-the common ditch} . [I]_1823-she think it shame to let [the man that slew [a saint]_{4870-a saint} be in [the same grave]_{6029-the same grave} with [all the poor honest folk who feared [God]_118-god , and were [Christians]_{6031-christians} though [they]_{6030-all the poor honest folk who feared god , and were christians though they might be beggars and outcasts} might be [beggars and outcasts]_{6032-beggars and outcasts}]_{6030-all the poor honest folk who feared god , and were christians though they might be beggars and outcasts} . Get [you]_6033-you gone , [you]_6033-you be as vile as [he]_{335-the old man} . If [you]_6033-you want [him]_{335-the old man} go ask [[your]_6033-you father]_{1258-your father} the foul fiend for [him]_{335-the old man}]_{6027-the man that slew a saint be in the same grave with all the poor honest folk who feared god , and were christians though they might be beggars and outcasts . get you gone , you be as vile as he . if you want him go ask your father the foul fiend for him} — [they]_{6030-all the poor honest folk who feared god , and were christians though they might be beggars and outcasts} are surely together now . ”_[1823-she] And [she]_1823-she drove the door to , and closed it , and barred it firmly within . “ Not but what the devil can get through the chinks , ”_[1823-she] [she]_1823-she muttered , as [she]_1823-she turned the wick of [her]_1823-she lamp up higher . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} went back over [the snow]_{1824-the snow} ; blind , sick , feeling [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way through the twilight as though it were the darkness of night . “ [He]_{335-the old man} died alone — [he]_{335-the old man} died alone , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} muttered , a thousand times , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} crept shivering through the gloom ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew that now [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own fate was yet more desolate . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} knew that now [she]_{104-folle‐farine} lived alone without [one friend]_{1825-one friend} on [earth]_5276-earth . The death on [the open highway]_{1827-the open highway} ; the numbness , and stillness , and deafness to all the maledictions of [men]_364-men ; [the shameful bier made at night on the dung‐cart]_{1829-the shameful bier made at night on the dung‐cart} , amidst loathing glances and muttered curses ; [the nameless grave in the common ditch with [the beggar]_{1831-the beggar}]_{1830-the nameless grave in the common ditch with the beggar} , [the thief]_{1832-the thief} , [the harlot]_{1833-the harlot} , and [the murderer;—these]_{1834-the murderer;—these} , which were so awful to all others , seemed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as sweet as to sink to sleep on soft unshorn grass , whilst rose leaves are shaken in the wind , and fall as gently as kisses upon [the slumberer]_{1835-the slumberer} . For [she]_{104-folle‐farine} in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} youth and in the splendour of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} strength , and in the blossom of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} beauty , gorgeous as a passion‐ flower in the sun , envied bitterly [the old man who had died at [his]_{1836-the old man who had died at his work on the public road , hated by his kind , and weighted with the burden of nigh a hundred years} work on [the public road]_{1837-the public road} , hated by [[his]_{1836-the old man who had died at his work on the public road , hated by his kind , and weighted with the burden of nigh a hundred years} kind]_{1838-his kind} , and weighted with the burden of nigh a hundred years]_{1836-the old man who had died at his work on the public road , hated by his kind , and weighted with the burden of nigh a hundred years} . Since [his]_{1836-the old man who had died at his work on the public road , hated by his kind , and weighted with the burden of nigh a hundred years} death was not more utterly lonely and desolate than was [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life ; and to all taunts and to all curses the ears of [the dead]_{5880-the dead} are deaf . NIGHT had come ; a dark night of earliest spring . The wild day had sobbed itself to sleep after a restless life with fitful breath of storm and many sighs of shuddering breezes . The sun had sunk , leaving lone tracks of blood‐red light across one‐half the heavens . There was a sharp crisp coldness as of lingering frost in the gloom and the dulness . Heavy clouds , as yet unbroken , hung over [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} and the clustering roofs around [it]_{315-the cathedral} in dark and starless splendour . Over [the great still plains which stretched eastward and southward]_{1841-the great still plains which stretched eastward and southward} , black with the furrows of the scarce‐budded corn , the wind blew hard ; blowing [the river]_{356-the river} and the many streamlets spreading from [it]_{356-the river} into foam ; driving the wintry leaves , which still strewed the earth thickly , hither and thither in legions ; breaking boughs that had weathered the winter hurricanes , and scattering the tender blossoms of the snowdrops and the earliest crocuses in all the little moss‐grown garden ways . The smell of wet grass , of the wood‐born violets , of trees whose new life was waking in [their]_1843-their veins , of [damp earths turned freshly upwards by the plough]_{1844-damp earths turned freshly upwards by the plough} , were all blown together by the riotous breezes . Now and then a light gleamed through the gloom where [a little peasant boy]_{1845-a little peasant boy} lighted [home]_497-home with a torch [some old priest]_{1847-some old priest} on [his]_{1847-some old priest} mule , or [a boat]_{1848-a boat} went down [the waters]_{373-the waters} with a lamp hung at its prow . For [it]_{356-the river} grew dark early , and [[people]_476-people used to [the river]_{356-the river}]_{1851-people used to the river} read a threat of flood on [its]_{356-the river} face . A dim glow from the west , which was still tinged with the fire of the sunset , fell through a great square window set in [a stone building]_{1853-a stone building} , and striking across the sicklier rays of an oil lamp reached the opposing wall within . [It]_1854-it was a wall of grey stone , dead and lustreless like the wall of [a prison‐house]_{1855-a prison‐house} , over whose surface a spider as colourless as itself dragged slowly its crooked hairy limbs loaded with the moisture of [the place]_{342-the place} , which was [an old tower , of which [the country folk]_{1858-the country folk} told strange tales , where it stood among the rushes on]_{1857-an old tower , of which the country folk told strange tales , where it stood among the rushes on} [the left bank of [the stream]_{374-the stream}]_{1859-the left bank of the stream} . [A man]_{4875-a man} watched the spider as it went . [It]_1862-it crept on its heavy way across the faint crimson reflection from the glow of the sunken sun . [It]_1862-it was fat , well‐nourished , lazy , content ; [its]_1862-it home of dusky silver hung on high , where its pleasure lay in weaving , clinging , hoarding , breeding . It lived in the dark ; it had neither pity nor regret ; it troubled [itself]_1862-it neither for the death it dealt to nourish [itself]_1862-it , nor for the light without , into which it never wandered ; it spun and throve and multiplied . It was an emblem of [the man who is wise in [his]_{1863-the man who is wise in his generation} generation]_{1863-the man who is wise in his generation} ; of [the man whom [Cato the elder]_{157-cato the elder} deemed divine]_{1864-the man whom cato the elder deemed divine} ; of [the Majority]_{1865-the majority} and [the Mediocrity who rule over [the earth]_{288-the earth} and enjoy its fruits]_{1866-the mediocrity who rule over the earth and enjoy its fruits} . [This man]_{1234-this man} knew that was wise ; that [those who were like to it]_{1869-those who were like to it} were wise also ; wise with the only wisdom which is honoured of [other men]_{1870-other men} . [He]_{1234-this man} had been unwise — always ; and therefore [he]_{1234-this man} stood watching the sun die , with hunger in [his]_{1234-this man} soul , with famine in [his]_{1234-this man} body . For many months [he]_{1234-this man} had been half famished , as were the wolves in [[his]_{1234-this man} own northern mountains]_{1871-his own northern mountains} in the winter solstice . For seven days [he]_{1234-this man} had only been able to crush a crust of hard black bread between [his]_{1234-this man} teeth . For twenty hours [he]_{1234-this man} had not done even so much as this . The trencher on [his]_{1234-this man} tressel was empty ; and [he]_{1234-this man} had not wherewithal to refill it . [He]_{1234-this man} might have found some to fill it for [him]_{1234-this man} no doubt . [He]_{1234-this man} lived amidst [the poor]_{5743-the poor} , and [the poor]_{5743-the poor} to [the poor]_{5743-the poor} are good , though [they]_{5743-the poor} are bad and bitter to [the rich]_{1875-the rich} . But [he]_{1234-this man} did not open either [his]_{1234-this man} lips or [his]_{1234-this man} hands . [He]_{1234-this man} consumed [his]_{1234-this man} heart in silence ; and [his]_{1234-this man} vitals preyed in anguish on [themselves]_{1876-themselves} without [his]_{1234-this man} yielding to [their]_{1876-themselves} torments . [He]_{1234-this man} was [a madman]_{1877-a madman} ; and [Cato]_{157-cato the elder} , who measured the godliness of [man]_4882-man by what [they]_4882-man gained , would have held [him]_{1234-this man} , accursed;—the madness that starves and is silent for an idea is an insanity , scouted by [the world]_{268-the world} and [the gods]_{1366-the gods} . For it is an insanity unfruitful ; except to the future . And for the future who cares,—save [these madmen]_{1881-these madmen} [themselves]_{1881-these madmen} ? [He]_{1234-this man} watched the spider as it went . [It]_1882-it could not speak to [him]_{1234-this man} as its fellow once spoke in the old Scottish story . To hear as [that captive]_{1883-that captive} heard , [the hearer]_{1884-the hearer} must have hope , and a kingdom,—if only in dreams . [This man]_{1234-this man} had no hope ; [he]_{1234-this man} had [a kingdom]_{1886-a kingdom} indeed , but it was not of [earth]_5276-earth ; and , in an hour of sheer cruel bodily pain , [earth]_5276-earth alone has dominion over power and worth . The spider crawled across the grey wall ; across the glow from the vanished sun ; across a coil of a dead passion‐vine , that strayed loosed through the floor ; across the classic shapes of [a great cartoon drawn in chalks upon the dull rugged surface of stone]_{1889-a great cartoon drawn in chalks upon the dull rugged surface of stone} . Nothing arrested it ; nothing retarded it , as nothing hastened it . [It]_1882-it moved slowly on ; fat , lustreless , indolent , hueless ; reached at length its den , and there squatted aloft , loving the darkness ; its young swarming around , its prey held in its forceps , its nest cast about . Through the open casement there came on the rising wind of the storm , in the light of the last lingering sunbeam , [a beautiful night‐moth , begotten by some cruel hot‐house heat in the bosom of some frail exiled tropical flower]_{1890-a beautiful night‐moth , begotten by some cruel hot‐house heat in the bosom of some frail exiled tropical flower} . It swam in on trembling pinions , and alighted on the golden head of a gathered crocus that lay dying on the stones — a moth that should have been born to no world save that of [the summer world of a Midsummer Night ’s Dream]_{1891-the summer world of a midsummer night ’s dream} . A shape of [Ariel]_158-ariel and Oberon ; slender , silver , purple , roseate , lustrous‐eyed , and gossamer‐winged . A creature of [woodland waters and blossoming forests]_{1892-woodland waters and blossoming forests} ; of the yellow chalices of kingcups and the white breasts of river lilies , of moonbeams that strayed through a summer world of shadows , and dewdrops that glistened in the deep folded hearts of roses . A creature to brush the dreaming eyes of [a poet]_{1315-a poet} , to nestle on the bosom of [a young girl sleeping : to float earthwards on a fallen star , to slumber on a lotus life]_{1894-a young girl sleeping : to float earthwards on a fallen star , to slumber on a lotus life} . A creature that amidst the still soft hush of [woods and waters]_{1895-woods and waters} still tells , to [those who listen , of [the world]_{268-the world} when [the world]_{268-the world} was young]_{1896-those who listen , of the world when the world was young} . The moth flew on , and poised on the faded crocus leaves which spread out their pale gold on the level of the grey floor . It was weary , and its delicate wings drooped ; it was storm‐tossed , wind‐beaten , drenched with mist and frozen with the cold ; it belonged to the moon , to the dew , to the lilies , to the forget‐me‐nots , and to the night ; and it found that the hard grip of winter had seized [it]_1882-it whilst yet [it]_1882-it had thought that the stars and the summer were with it . [It]_1882-it lived before [its]_1882-it time,—and it was like [the human soul , which being born in the darkness of the world dares to dream of light , and , wandering in vain search of a sun that will never rise , falls and perishes in wretchedness]_{1899-the human soul , which being born in the darkness of the world dares to dream of light , and , wandering in vain search of a sun that will never rise , falls and perishes in wretchedness} . It was beautiful exceedingly ; with the brilliant tropical beauty of a life that is short‐lived . It rested a moment on the stem of the pale flower , then with its radiant eyes fastened on the point of light which the lamp thrust upward , it flew on high ; and , spreading out its transparent wings and floating to the flame , kissed it , quivered once , and died . There fell among the dust and cinder of the lamp a little heap of shrunken fire‐scorched blackened ashes . The wind whirled them upward from [their]_1900-their rest , and drove [them]_1900-their forth into the night to mingle with the storm‐scourged grasses , the pale dead violets , the withered snow‐flowers , with all things frost‐touched and forgotten . The spider sat aloft , sucking the juices from the fettered flies , teaching its spawn to prey and feed ; content in squalor and in plentitude ; in sensual sloth , and in the increase of [its]_1882-it body and its hoard . [He]_1901-he watched [them]_1902-them both : the success of the spider , the death of the moth ; trite as a fable ; ever repeated as the tides of [the sea]_{405-the sea} ; the two symbols of humanity ; of the life which fattens on greed and gain , and the life which perishes of divine desire . Then [he]_1901-he turned and looked at the cartoons upon the wall ; shapes grand and dim , [the children of [his]_1901-he genius]_{1904-the children of his genius} , a genius denied by [men]_364-men . [His]_1901-he head sank on [his]_1901-he chest , [his]_1901-he hand tore the shirt away from [his]_1901-he breast , which the pangs of a bodily hunger that [he]_1901-he scorned , devoured , indeed , but which throbbed with a pain more bitter than that of even this lingering and ignoble death . [He]_1901-he had genius in [him]_1901-he , and [he]_1901-he had to die like a wolf on [the Armorican wolds]_{35-the armorican wolds} , yonder westward , when the snows of winter hid all offal from its fangs . It was horrible . [He]_1901-he had to die for want of the crust that [beggars]_1906-beggars gnawed in [the kennels of [the city]_{473-the city}]_{1907-the kennels of the city} ; [he]_1901-he had to die of the lowest and commonest need of all — the sheer animal need of food . “ J’avais quelque chose là ! ”_{[4875-a man]} was , perhaps , the most terrible of all those death‐cries of despair which the guillotine of [Thermidor]_26-thermidor wrung from the lips of [the condemned]_{1909-the condemned} . For it was the despair of the bodily life for the life of the mind which died with it . When [a man]_{4875-a man} clings to life for life ’s sake , because it is fair and sweet , and good to the sight and the senses , there may be weakness in [his]_{4875-a man} shudder at its threatening loss . But when [a man]_{4875-a man} is loth to lose life , although it be hard and joyless and barren of all delights , because this life gives [him]_{4875-a man} power to accomplish things greater than [he]_{4875-a man} , which yet without [him]_{4875-a man} must perish , there is the strength in [him]_{4875-a man} , as there is the agony , of [Prometheus]_{160-prometheus} . With [him]_{4875-a man} it must die also : that deep dim greatness within [him]_{4875-a man} which moves [him]_{4875-a man} , despite [himself]_{4875-a man} ; that nameless unspeakable force , which compels [him]_{4875-a man} to create and to achieve ; that vision by which [he]_{4875-a man} beholds worlds beyond [him]_{4875-a man} not seen by [[his]_{4875-a man} fellows]_{1912-his fellows} . Weary of life indeed [he]_{4875-a man} may be ; of life material , and full of subtlety ; of passion , of pleasure , of pain ; of the kisses that burn , of the laughs that ring hollow , of the honey that so soon turns to gall , of the sickly fatigues and the tired cloyed hunger that are the portion of [men]_364-men upon [earth]_5276-earth . Weary of these [he]_{4875-a man} may be ; but still if [the gods]_{1366-the gods} have breathed on [him]_{4875-a man} and made [him]_{4875-a man} mad , with the madness that [men]_364-men have called genius , there will be that in [him]_{4875-a man} greater than [himself]_{4875-a man} , which [he]_{4875-a man} knows,—and can not know without some fierce wrench and pang,—will be numbed and made impotent , and drift away , lost for evermore , into that eternal Night which is all that [men behold of death]_{1917-men behold of death} . It was so with [this man]_{1234-this man} now . Life was barren of all delight for [him]_{4875-a man} , full of privation , of famine , of obscurity , of fruitless travail and of vain desire ; yet because [he]_{4875-a man} believed that [he]_{4875-a man} had it in [him]_{4875-a man} to be great , or rather because , with a purer and more impersonal knowledge , [he]_{4875-a man} believed that it was within [his]_{4875-a man} power to do that which , when done , [the world]_{268-the world} would not willingly let die , it was loathsome to [him]_{4875-a man} to perish thus of the sheer lack of food , as any toothless snake would perish in its swamp . [He]_{4875-a man} stood opposite to the great white cartoons on which [his]_{4875-a man} soul had spent itself ; creations which seemed but vague and ghostly in the shadows of [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} , but in which [he]_{4875-a man} saw , or at the least believed [he]_{4875-a man} saw , the title‐deeds of [[his]_{4875-a man} own heirship to [[the world]_{268-the world} ’s kingdom of fame]_{1923-the world ’s kingdom of fame}]_{1921-his own heirship to the world ’s kingdom of fame} . For [himself]_{4875-a man} [he]_{4875-a man} cared nothing ; but for [them]_1924-them — [he]_{4875-a man} smiled bitterly as [he]_{4875-a man} looked : “ [They]_1924-them will light some bakehouse fire to pay those that may throw [my]_{4875-a man} body in a ditch , ”_{[4875-a man]} [he]_{4875-a man} thought . And yet the old passion had so much dominion still that [he]_{4875-a man} instinctively went nearer to [his]_{4875-a man} latest and best‐beloved creations , and took the white chalks up and worked once more by the dull sullen rays of the lamp behind [him]_{4875-a man} . They would be torn down on the morrow and thrust for fuel into [[some housewife]_{1925-some housewife} ’s kitchen‐stove]_{1926-some housewife ’s kitchen‐stove} . What matter ? [He]_{4875-a man} loved [them]_1924-them ; [they]_1924-them were [his]_{4875-a man} sole garniture and treasure ; in [them]_1924-them [his]_{4875-a man} soul had gathered all [its]_1927-its dreams and all its pure delights : so long as [his]_{4875-a man} sight lasted [he]_{4875-a man} sought to feed it on [them]_1924-them ; so long as [his]_{4875-a man} hand had power [he]_{4875-a man} strove to touch , to caress , to enrich [them]_1924-them . Even in such an hour as this , the old sweet trance of Art was upon [him]_{4875-a man} . [He]_{4875-a man} was devoured by the deadly fangs of long fast ; streaks of living fire seemed to scorch [his]_{4875-a man} entrails ; [his]_{4875-a man} throat and lungs were parched and choked ; and ever and again [his]_{4875-a man} left hand clenched on the bones of [his]_{4875-a man} naked chest as though [he]_{4875-a man} could wrench away the throes that gnawed it . [He]_{4875-a man} knew that worse than this would follow ; [he]_{4875-a man} knew that tenfold more torment would await [him]_{4875-a man} ; that limbs as strong , and muscles as hard , and manhood as vigorous as [his]_{4875-a man} , would only yield to such death as this slowly , doggedly , inch by inch , day by day . [He]_{4875-a man} knew ; and [he]_{4875-a man} knew that [he]_{4875-a man} could not trust [himself]_{4875-a man} to go through that uttermost torture without once lifting [his]_{4875-a man} voice to summon the shame of release from it . Shame — since release would needs be charity . [He]_{4875-a man} knew full well ; [he]_{4875-a man} had seen all forms of death ; [he]_{4875-a man} had studied its throes , and portrayed its horrors . [He]_{4875-a man} knew that before dawn — it might be before midnight — this agony would grow so great that it would conquer [him]_{4875-a man} ; and that to save [himself]_{4875-a man} from the cowardice of appeal , the shame besought alms , [he]_{4875-a man} would have to use [his]_{4875-a man} last powers to drive home a knife hard and sure through [his]_{4875-a man} breast‐bone . Yet [he]_{4875-a man} stood there , almost forgetting this , scarcely conscious of any other thing than of the passion that ruled [him]_{4875-a man} . Some soft curve in [a girl]_{5074-a girl} ’s bare bosom , some round smooth arm of [a sleeping woman]_{1929-a sleeping woman} , some fringe of leaves against a moonlit sky , some broad‐winged bird sailing through shadows of the air , some full‐orbed lion rising to leap on the nude soft indolently‐folded limbs of [a dreaming virgin]_{1930-a dreaming virgin} , palm‐shadowed in the East;—all these [he]_{4875-a man} gazed on and touched , and looked again , and changed by some more inward curve or deepened line of [his]_{4875-a man} chalk stylus . All these usurped [him]_{4875-a man} ; appealed to [him]_{4875-a man} ; were well beloved and infinitely sad ; seemed ever in [their]_1931-their whiteness and [their]_1931-their loneliness to cry to him,—“Whither dost [thou]_6035-thou go ? Wilt [thou]_6035-thou leave [us]_6036-us alone ? ”_[1931-their] And as [he]_{4875-a man} stood , and thus caressed them with [his]_{4875-a man} eyes and touch , and wrestled with the inward torment which grew greater and greater as the night approached , the sudden sickly feebleness of long hunger came upon [him]_{4875-a man} ; the grave‐like coldness of [his]_{4875-a man} fireless chamber slackened and numbed the flowing of [his]_{4875-a man} veins ; [his]_{4875-a man} brain grew dull and all its memory ceased , confused and blotted . [He]_{4875-a man} staggered once , wondering dimly and idly as [men]_364-men wonder in delirium , if this indeed were death : then [he]_{4875-a man} fell backwards senseless on [his]_{4875-a man} hearth . The last glow of day died off the wall . The wind rose louder , driving in through the open casement a herd of withered leaves . An owl flew by , uttering weary cries against the storm . On high the spider sat , sucking the vitals of its prey , safe in its filth and darkness ; looking down ever on the lifeless body on the hearth , and saying in its heart,—“Thou Fool ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} AS the night fell , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , alone , steered [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} down [the water]_{265-the water} through [the heart of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{1934-the heart of the town} , where [the buildings]_{1936-the buildings} were oldest , and where on either side there loomed through the dusk , carved on the black timbers , strange masks of [satyr and of faun]_{1937-satyr and of faun} , of dragon and of griffin , of [fiend and of martyr]_{1938-fiend and of martyr} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} sat in [the clumsy empty market‐boat]_{1939-the clumsy empty market‐boat} , guiding the tiller rope with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} foot . The sea flowing in stormily upon [the coast]_{457-the coast} sent the tide of [the river]_{356-the river} inland with a swift impetuous current , to which [its]_{356-the river} sluggish depths were seldom stirred . The oars rested unused in the bottom of [the boat]_{1942-the boat} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} glided down [the stream]_{374-the stream} without exertion of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own , quietly , easily , dreamily . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had come from a long day ’s work , lading and unlading timber and grain for [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} taskmaster]_{586-her taskmaster} , and [[his]_{586-her taskmaster} fellow farmers]_{1945-his fellow farmers} , at [the river wharf at [the back of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{1947-the back of the town}]_{1946-the river wharf at the back of the town} , where [the little sea‐trawlers]_{1949-the little sea‐trawlers} and [traders]_1950-traders , with [their]_{1949-the little sea‐trawlers} fresh salt smell and [their]_{1949-the little sea‐trawlers} brown sails crisp from fierce sea winds , gathered for traffic with [the corn barges]_{1951-the corn barges} and [the egg‐boats of [the land]_{4984-the land}]_{1952-the egg‐boats of the land} . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} day ’s labour was done , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was repaid for it by the free effortless backward passage home through the shadows of [the water‐streets]_{1954-the water‐streets} ; where in [the overhanging buildings]_{1955-the overhanging buildings} , ever and anon , some lantern swinging on a cord from side to side , or some open casement arched above [a gallery]_{1956-a gallery} , showed the dark sad wistful face of [some old creature kneeling in prayer before a crucifix]_{1957-some old creature kneeling in prayer before a crucifix} , or the gold ear‐rings of [some laughing girl leaning down with the first frail violets of the year]_{1958-some laughing girl leaning down with the first frail violets of the year} fragrant in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bodice . The cold night had brought the glow of wood‐fires in [many of [the dwellings of [that poor and picturesque quarter]_{1961-that poor and picturesque quarter}]_{1960-the dwellings of that poor and picturesque quarter}]_{1959-many of the dwellings of that poor and picturesque quarter} ; and showed [many a homely interior through the panes of the oriel and lancet windows]_{1962-many a homely interior through the panes of the oriel and lancet windows} , over which brooded sculptured figures seraph‐winged , or carven forms helmeted and leaning on [their]_{1949-the little sea‐trawlers} swords . In one of [them]_{1949-the little sea‐trawlers} there was [a group of [young men]_{1964-young men} and [maidens]_1965-maidens]_{1963-a group of young men and maidens} gathered round the wood nut‐burning , [the lovers]_{443-the lovers} seeking [each other]_{555-each other} ’s kiss as the kernels broke the shells ; in another , [some rosy curly children]_{1968-some rosy curly children} played at [soldiers]_{1969-soldiers} with the cuirass and sabre which [[their]_{1968-some rosy curly children} grandsire]_{1970-their grandsire} had won in [the army of [the empire]_{1972-the empire}]_{1971-the army of the empire} ; in another , before a quaint oval old‐fashioned glass , [a young girl all alone]_{1973-a young girl all alone} made trial of [her]_{1973-a young girl all alone} wedding wreath upon [her]_{1973-a young girl all alone} fair forehead , and smiled back on [her]_{1973-a young girl all alone} own image with a little joyous laugh that ended in a sob ; in another , [a young bearded workman]_{1974-a young bearded workman} carved ivory beside [his]_{1974-a young bearded workman} hearth , whilst [[his]_{1974-a young bearded workman} old mother]_{5288-his old mother} sat knitting in a high oak chair ; in another , [a sister of charity]_{1976-a sister of charity} , with a fair Madonna ’s face , bent above a little pot of home‐bred snowdrops , with [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} tears dropping on the white heads of the flowers , whilst [the sick man]_{1977-the sick man} , of whom [she]_{1976-a sister of charity} had charge , slept and left [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} a brief space for [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} own memories , [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} own pangs , [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} own sickness , which was only of the heart — only — and therefore hopeless . All [these Folle‐Farine]_{1978-these folle‐farine} saw , going onward in [the boat]_{1942-the boat} on the gloom of [the water below]_{1980-the water below} . [She]_{1976-a sister of charity} did not envy [them]_{1978-these folle‐farine} ; [she]_{1976-a sister of charity} rather , with [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} hatred of [them]_{1978-these folle‐farine} , scorned [them]_{1978-these folle‐farine} . [She]_{1976-a sister of charity} had been freeborn , though now [she]_{1976-a sister of charity} was [a slave]_{5533-a slave} ; the pleasures of [the home]_{1982-the home} and hearth [she]_{1976-a sister of charity} envied no more that [she]_{1976-a sister of charity} envied the imprisoned bird its seed and water , its mate and song , within the close cage bars . Yet [they]_{1978-these folle‐farine} had a sort of fascination for [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} . [She]_{1976-a sister of charity} wondered how [they]_{1978-these folle‐farine} felt , [these people who smiled and span , and ate and drank , and sorrowed and enjoyed , and were in health and disease , at feast and at funeral , always together , always bound in one bond of a common humanity]_{1983-these people who smiled and span , and ate and drank , and sorrowed and enjoyed , and were in health and disease , at feast and at funeral , always together , always bound in one bond of a common humanity} ; [these people , whose God on the cross]_{1984-these people , whose god on the cross} never answered [them]_{1984-these people , whose god on the cross} ; who were poor , [she]_{1976-a sister of charity} knew ; who toiled early and late ; who were heavily taxed ; who fared hardly and scantily ; yet who for the main part contrived to be mirthful and content , and to find some sunshine in [their]_{1978-these folle‐farine} darkened hours , and to cling to [one another]_{700-one another} , and in a way be glad . Just above [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} was the corner window of [a very ancient house , encrusted with blazonries and carvings]_{1986-a very ancient house , encrusted with blazonries and carvings} . [It]_{1986-a very ancient house , encrusted with blazonries and carvings} had been [a prince‐bishop ’s palace]_{1987-a prince‐bishop ’s palace} ; [it]_{1986-a very ancient house , encrusted with blazonries and carvings} was now the shared shelter of half a score of [lace weavers]_{1988-lace weavers} and of [ivory workers]_{1989-ivory workers} , [each family]_{1990-each family} in [[their]_{1990-each family} chamber]_{1991-their chamber} , like a bee in [[its]_1992-its cell]_{1993-its cell} . As [the boat]_{1942-the boat} floated under one of the casements , [she]_{1976-a sister of charity} saw that [it]_{1942-the boat} stood open ; there was a china cup filled with house‐born primroses on the broad sill ; there was an antique illuminated Book of Hours lying open beside the flowers ; there was a strong fire‐light shining from within ; there was [an old woman]_{5264-an old woman} asleep and smiling in [her]_{5264-an old woman} dreams beside the hearth ; by the open book was [a girl]_{5074-a girl} , leaning out into the chill damp night , and looking down [the street]_{5250-the street} as though in search for [some expected and thrice‐welcome guest]_{1998-some expected and thrice‐welcome guest} . [She]_{5074-a girl} was fair to look at , with dark hair twisted under [her]_{5074-a girl} towering white cap , and a peach‐like cheek and throat , and [her]_{5074-a girl} arms folded against [her]_{5074-a girl} blue ’ kerchief crossed upon [her]_{5074-a girl} chest . Into [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} , unseen by [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} , [a young man stole across the shadows]_{2000-a young man stole across the shadows} , and came unheard behind [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} and bent [his]_{2000-a young man stole across the shadows} head to [hers]_{1976-a sister of charity} , and kissed [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} ere [she]_{1976-a sister of charity} knew that [he]_{2000-a young man stole across the shadows} was there . [She]_{1976-a sister of charity} started with a little happy cry and pushed [him]_{2000-a young man stole across the shadows} away with pretty provocation ; [he]_{2000-a young man stole across the shadows} drew [her]_{1976-a sister of charity} into [his]_{2000-a young man stole across the shadows} arms and into [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} ; [he]_{2000-a young man stole across the shadows} shut‐to the lattice , and left only a dusky reflection from within shining through the panes made dark by age and dust . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} had watched them ; as the window closed [her]_{5074-a girl} head dropped , [she]_{5074-a girl} was stirred with a mournful , passionate , contemptuous wonder ; what was this love that was about [her]_{5074-a girl} everywhere , and yet with which [she]_{5074-a girl} had no share ? [She]_{5074-a girl} only thought of it with haughtiest scorn ; and yet — There had come a great darkness on [the river]_{356-the river} , a surly roughness in the wind ; the shutters were now closed in [many of [the houses of [the water‐street]_{2005-the water‐street}]_{2004-the houses of the water‐street}]_{2003-many of the houses of the water‐street} , and [their]_{2003-many of the houses of the water‐street} long black shadows fell across the depth that severed [them]_{2003-many of the houses of the water‐street} , and met and blended in the twilight . The close of this day was stormy ; the wind blew [the river]_{356-the river} swiftly ; the heavy raw mists were setting in from [the sea]_{405-the sea} as the night descended . [She]_{5074-a girl} did not heed these ; [she]_{5074-a girl} liked the wild weather best ; [she]_{5074-a girl} loved the rush of a chill wind amongst [her]_{5074-a girl} hair , and the moisture of blown spray upon [her]_{5074-a girl} face ; [she]_{5074-a girl} loved the manifold phantasies of the clouds , and the melodies of the blast coming over the sands and the rushes . [She]_{5074-a girl} loved the swirl and rage of [the angry water]_{2008-the angry water} , and the solitude that closed in round [her]_{5074-a girl} with the darkness . [The boat]_{1942-the boat} passed onward through [the now silent town]_{2010-the now silent town} ; only in one other place the light glowed through the un‐ shuttered lattices that were ruddy and emblematic with the paintings of the Renaissance . It was the window of [[the gardener]_{5341-the gardener} ’s wife]_{5342-the gardener ’s wife} . At that season there could bloom neither saxifrage nor carnation ; but some green‐leaved winter shrub with rosy laden berries had replaced them , and made a shining frame all round the painted panes . [The fair woman]_{2013-the fair woman} was within ; [her]_{2013-the fair woman} delicate head rose out of the brown shadows round , with a lamp burning above it and a little oval mirror before . Into the mirror [she]_{2013-the fair woman} was gazing with a smile , whilst with both hands about [her]_{2013-the fair woman} throat [she]_{2013-the fair woman} clasped some strings of polished shells brought to [her]_{2013-the fair woman} from [the sea]_{405-the sea} . “ How white and how warm and how glad [she]_{2013-the fair woman} is ! ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} thought [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , looking upward ; and [she]_{2013-the fair woman} rowed in the gloom through [the sluggish water]_{2015-the sluggish water} with envy at [her]_{2013-the fair woman} heart . [She]_{2013-the fair woman} was growing harder , wilder , worse , with every day ; more and more like [some dumb fierce forest beast , that flees from every step and hates the sound of every voice]_{2016-some dumb fierce forest beast , that flees from every step and hates the sound of every voice} . Since the night that [they]_2017-they had pricked [her]_{2013-the fair woman} for [a witch]_{5950-a witch} , [the people]_{4948-the people} had been more cruel to [her]_{2013-the fair woman} than ever ; [they]_2017-they cast bitter names at [her]_{2013-the fair woman} as [she]_{2013-the fair woman} went by ; [they]_2017-they hissed and hooted [her]_{2013-the fair woman} as [she]_{2013-the fair woman} took [her]_{2013-the fair woman} mule through [[their]_2017-they villages]_{2020-their villages} , or passed [them]_2017-they on [the road]_{4855-the road} with [her]_{2013-the fair woman} back bent under some load of faggots , or of winter food ; once or twice [they]_2017-they stoned [her]_{2013-the fair woman} , and chance alone had saved [her]_{2013-the fair woman} from injury . For it was an article of faith in all the hamlets round that [she]_{2013-the fair woman} had killed [old Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} . [The Flandrins]_{161-the flandrins} said so , and [they]_{161-the flandrins} were [good pious people who would not lie]_{2022-good pious people who would not lie} . Every dusky evening when [the peasantry]_{5218-the peasantry} , through the doors of [[their]_{5218-the peasantry} cabins]_{1442-their cabins} , saw the gleam of [her]_{2013-the fair woman} bright red girdle and the flash of [her]_{2013-the fair woman} hawk ’s eyes , where [she]_{2013-the fair woman} plodded on through the mist on [[her]_{2013-the fair woman} tyrant]_{5680-her tyrant} ’s errands , [they]_{5218-the peasantry} crossed [themselves]_{5218-the peasantry} and told [each other]_{555-each other} for the hundredth time the tale of [her]_{2013-the fair woman} iniquities over [their]_{5218-the peasantry} pan of smoking chestnuts . It had hardened [her]_{2013-the fair woman} tenfold ; it had made [her]_{2013-the fair woman} brood on sullen dreams of a desperate vengeance . [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , too , was gone ; [his]_2027-his body had been eaten by the quicklime in [the common ditch]_{6026-the common ditch} , and there was not even a voice so stern as [his]_2027-his to bid [her]_{2013-the fair woman} a good morrow . [He]_2027-his had been [a harsh man , of dark repute and bitter tongue]_{2029-a harsh man , of dark repute and bitter tongue} ; but in [his]_2027-his way [he]_2027-his had loved [her]_{2013-the fair woman} ; in [his]_2027-his way , with the eloquence that had remained to [him]_2027-his , and by the strange stories that [he]_2027-his had told [her]_{2013-the fair woman} of that wondrous time wherein [his]_2027-his youth had passed , when [men]_364-men had been as [gods and giants]_{2031-gods and giants} , and [women]_365-women either horrible as [the Medusa]_{36-the medusa} or sublime as [the Iphigenia]_{162-the iphigenia} , [he]_2027-his had done something to awaken [her]_{2013-the fair woman} mind ; to arouse [her]_{2013-the fair woman} hopes ; to lift [her]_{2013-the fair woman} up from the torpor of toil , the lusts of hatred , the ruinous apathy of despair . But [he]_2027-his was dead ; and [she]_{2013-the fair woman} was alone ; and was abandoned utterly to [herself]_{2013-the fair woman} . [She]_{2013-the fair woman} mourned for [him]_2027-his with a passionate pain that was all the more despairing , because no sound of it could ever pass [her]_{2013-the fair woman} lips to [any creature]_{925-any creature} . To and fro continually [she]_{2013-the fair woman} went by [the road on which [he]_2027-his had died alone]_{2034-the road on which he had died alone} ; by the heap of broken stones , by the wooden crucifix , by the high hedge and [the cornlands beyond]_{2035-the cornlands beyond} . Every time [she]_{2013-the fair woman} went the blood beat in [her]_{2013-the fair woman} brain , the tears swelled in [her]_{2013-the fair woman} throat ; [she]_{2013-the fair woman} hated with a hatred that consumed [her]_{2013-the fair woman} , and was ready to ripen into any deadly deed , [the people who had shunned [him]_2027-his in [his]_2027-his life]_{2036-the people who had shunned him in his life} , and in [his]_2027-his death derided and insulted [him]_2027-his , and given [him]_2027-his such burial as [they]_{2036-the people who had shunned him in his life} gave the rotten carcass of some noxious beast . [Her]_{2013-the fair woman} heart was ripe for any evil that should have given [her]_{2013-the fair woman} vengeance ; a dull cold sense of utter desolation and isolation was always on [her]_{2013-the fair woman} ; the injustice of [the people]_{4948-the people} began to turn [her]_{2013-the fair woman} blood to gall , [her]_{2013-the fair woman} courage into cruelty ; there began to come upon [her]_{2013-the fair woman} the look of [those who brood upon a crime]_{2038-those who brood upon a crime} . It was , in truth , but the despairing desire to live that stirred within [her]_{2013-the fair woman} ; to know , to feel , to roam , to enjoy , to suffer still , if need be ; but to suffer something else than the endless toil of the field‐ox and tow‐horse , something else than the unavenged blow that pays the ass and the dog for [their]_{2036-the people who had shunned him in his life} services . The desire to be free grew upon [her]_{2013-the fair woman} with all the force and fury inherited from [[her]_{2013-the fair woman} father]_{389-her father} ’s tameless and ever‐wandering race ; if a crime could have made [her]_{2013-the fair woman} free [she]_{2013-the fair woman} would have seized it . [She]_{2013-the fair woman} was in the prison of a narrow and hated fate ; and from it [she]_{2013-the fair woman} looked out on [the desert]_{2040-the desert} of an endless hate , which stretched around [her]_{2013-the fair woman} without one blossom of love , one well‐spring of charity , rising in its deathlike waste . The dreamy imaginations , the fantastic pictures that had been so strong in [her]_{2013-the fair woman} in [her]_{2013-the fair woman} early years , were still there , though distorted by ignorance and inflamed by despair . Though , in [her]_{2013-the fair woman} first poignant grief for [him]_2041-him , [she]_{2013-the fair woman} had envied [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} [his]_2041-him hard‐won rest , [his]_2041-him grave in [the public ditch of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{2042-the public ditch of the town} , it was not in [her]_{2013-the fair woman} to desire to die . [She]_{2013-the fair woman} was too young , too strong , too restless , too impatient , and [her]_{2013-the fair woman} blood of [the desert]_{2040-the desert} and [the forest]_{357-the forest} was too hot . What [she]_{2013-the fair woman} wanted was to live . Live as the great moor bird did that [she]_{2013-the fair woman} had seen float one day over these pale , pure , blue skies , with its mighty wings outstretched in the calm grey weather ; which came none knew whence , and which went none knew whither ; which poised silent and stirless against the clouds ; then called with a sweet wild love‐note to its mate , and waited for [him]_2041-him as [he]_2041-him sailed in from the misty shadows where [the sea]_{405-the sea} lay ; and with [him]_2041-him rose yet higher and higher in the air ; and passed westward , cleaving the fields of light , and so vanished;—a queen of the wind , [a daughter of the sun]_{2047-a daughter of the sun} ; [a creature of freedom , of victory , of tireless movement , and of boundless space]_{2048-a creature of freedom , of victory , of tireless movement , and of boundless space} , a thing of [heaven and liberty]_{2049-heaven and liberty} . * * * * * The evening became night ; a night rough and cold almost as winter . There was [no boat]_{2050-no boat} but [hers]_{2013-the fair woman} upon [the river]_{356-the river} , which ran high and strong . [She]_{2013-the fair woman} left the lights of [the town]_{482-the town} behind [her]_{2013-the fair woman} , and came into the darkness of [the country]_{751-the country} . Now and then the moon shone a moment through the storm wrack , here and there a torch glimmered , borne by some wayfarer over [a bridge]_{2054-a bridge} . There was no other light . The bells of [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} chiming a miserere , sounded full of woe behind [her]_{2013-the fair woman} in the still sad air . There stood but [one building between [her]_{2013-the fair woman} and [[her]_{2013-the fair woman} home]_{5555-her home}]_{2056-one building between her and her home} , [a square strong tower built upon the edge of [the stream]_{374-the stream} , of which [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} told many tales of horror]_{2058-a square strong tower built upon the edge of the stream , of which the peasants told many tales of horror} . [It]_{2058-a square strong tower built upon the edge of the stream , of which the peasants told many tales of horror} was of ancient date , spacious , and very strong . [[Its]_{2058-a square strong tower built upon the edge of the stream , of which the peasants told many tales of horror} upper chambers]_{2061-its upper chambers} were used as [a granary]_{5694-a granary} by [the farm‐people who owned [it]_{2058-a square strong tower built upon the edge of the stream , of which the peasants told many tales of horror}]_{2063-the farm‐people who owned it} ; [the vaulted hall]_{2064-the vaulted hall} was left unused by [them]_{2063-the farm‐people who owned it} , partly because [the river]_{356-the river} had been known to rise high enough to flood the floor ; partly because legend had bequeathed to [it]_{2058-a square strong tower built upon the edge of the stream , of which the peasants told many tales of horror} a ghastly repute of [spirits of [murdered men who haunted [it]_{2058-a square strong tower built upon the edge of the stream , of which the peasants told many tales of horror}]_{2067-murdered men who haunted it}]_{2066-spirits of murdered men who haunted it} . [No man or woman in all [the country]_{751-the country} round]_{2068-no man or woman in all the country round} dared venture to [it]_{2058-a square strong tower built upon the edge of the stream , of which the peasants told many tales of horror} after nightfall ; it was all that [the stoutest]_{2070-the stoutest} would do to fetch and carry grain there at broad day ; and [the peasant who , being belated , rowed [[his]_{2071-the peasant who , being belated , rowed his market‐boat} market‐boat]_{2072-his market‐boat}]_{2071-the peasant who , being belated , rowed his market‐boat} past it when the moon was high , moved [his]_{2071-the peasant who , being belated , rowed his market‐boat} oar with one trembling hand , and with the other crossed [himself]_{2071-the peasant who , being belated , rowed his market‐boat} unceasingly . To [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} [it]_{2058-a square strong tower built upon the edge of the stream , of which the peasants told many tales of horror} bore no such terror . The unconscious pantheism breathed into [her]_{104-folle‐farine} earliest thoughts , with the teachings of [Phratos]_121-phratos , made [her]_{104-folle‐farine} see a nameless mystical and always wondrous beauty in every blade of grass that fed on the dew , and with the light , rejoiced ; in every bare brown stone that flashed to gold in [bright brook waters]_{2073-bright brook waters} , under a tuft of weed ; in [every hillside stream]_{2074-every hillside stream} [that leaping and laughing sparkled in the sun]_{2075-that leaping and laughing sparkled in the sun} ; in every wind that wailing went over the sickness of [the weary world]_{2076-the weary world} . For such a temper , no shape of the day or the night , no mystery of life or of death can have terror ; it can dread nothing , because every created thing has in it a divine life and an eternal mystery . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} and [the boat]_{1942-the boat} passed out into [the loneliness of [the country]_{751-the country}]_{2078-the loneliness of the country} , with fitful moon gleams to light its passage , the weather and [the stream]_{374-the stream} grew wilder yet . There were on both sides strips of [the silvery inland sands]_{2081-the silvery inland sands} , beds of tall reeds , and the straight stems of poplars , ghost‐like in the gloom . The tide rushed faster ; the winds blew more strongly from the north ; [the boat]_{1942-the boat} rocked , and now and then was washed with water , till [its]_{1942-the boat} edges were submerged . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} stood up in it , and gave [her]_{104-folle‐farine} strength to its guidance ; it was all that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could do to keep its course straight , and steer it so that it should not grate upon the sand , nor be blown into the tangles of [the river reeds]_{2083-the river reeds} . For [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had no care , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could swim like any cygnet ; and , for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own sport , had spent hours in water at all seasons . But [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew that to [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} [the boat]_{1942-the boat} was an honoured treasure , since to replace it would have cost [him]_{115-claudis flamma} many a hard‐earned and well loved piece of money . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stood thus upright in [the little tossing vessel]_{2085-the little tossing vessel} , against the darkness and the winds , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} passed [the solitary building]_{2086-the solitary building} ; [it]_{2086-the solitary building} had been placed so low down against [the shore]_{2087-the shore} that [its]_{2086-the solitary building} front walls , strong of hewn stone , and deep bedded in the soil , were half submerged in the dense growth of the reeds and of the willowy osiers which grew up and brushed the great arched windows of [[its]_{2086-the solitary building} haunted hall]_{2088-its haunted hall} . The lower half of one of the seven latticed windows had been blown wide open ; a broad square casement , braced with iron bars , looking out upon [the river]_{356-the river} , and lighted by a sickly glimmer of the moon . [[Her]_{104-folle‐farine} boat]_{2090-her boat} was swayed close against the wall , in a sudden lurch , caused by a fiercer gust of wind and higher wave of the strong tide ; the rushes entangled it ; it grounded on the sand ; there was no chance , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew , of setting it afloat again without [her]_{104-folle‐farine} leaving it to gain a footing on [the sand]_{2091-the sand} , and use [her]_{104-folle‐farine} force to push it off into the current . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} leaped out without a moment ’s thought amongst the rushes , with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} kirtle girt up close above [her]_{104-folle‐farine} knees . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} sank to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ankles in [the sand]_{2091-the sand} , and stood to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} waist in [the water]_{265-the water} . But [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was almost as light and sure of foot as a moor‐gull , when it lights upon [the treacherous mosses of [a bog]_{2095-a bog}]_{2094-the treacherous mosses of a bog} ; and standing on [the soaked and shelving bank]_{2096-the soaked and shelving bank} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thrust [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} with all [her]_{104-folle‐farine} might against [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} boat]_{2090-her boat} , dislodged it , and pushed it out once more afloat . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was about to wade to it and spring into [it]_{2090-her boat} , before [the stream]_{374-the stream} had time to move it farther out , when an owl flew from the open window behind [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . Unconsciously [she]_{104-folle‐farine} turned [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head to look whence the bird had come . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw the wide dark square of the opened casement ; the gleam of a lamp within the cavern‐like vastness of [the vaulted hall]_{2064-the vaulted hall} . Instinctively [she]_{104-folle‐farine} paused , drew closer , and forgot [the boat]_{1942-the boat} . The stone sills of the seven windows were level with the topmost sprays of the tall reeds an [the willowy underwood]_{2101-the willowy underwood} ; they were , therefore , level with [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw straight in ; saw , so far as the pale uncertain fusion of moon and lamp rays showed [them]_2102-them , the height and width of [this legend‐haunted place]_{2103-this legend‐haunted place} ; vaulted and pillared with timber and with stone ; dim and lonely as [a cathedral crypt]_{2104-a cathedral crypt} , and with the night‐birds flying to and fro in [it]_{2090-her boat} , as in a ruin , seeking their nests in [its]_{2090-her boat} rafters and in the capitals of [its]_{2090-her boat} columns . No fear , but a great awe fell upon [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} let [the boat]_{1942-the boat} drift on its way unheeded ; and stood there at gaze like [a forest doe]_{2106-a forest doe} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had passed [this grain tower]_{2107-this grain tower} with every day or night that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had gone down [the river]_{356-the river} upon the errands of [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} taskmaster]_{586-her taskmaster} ; but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had never looked within [it]_{2107-this grain tower} once , holding [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} ’ stories and terrors in the cold scorn of an intrepid courage . Now , when [she]_{104-folle‐farine} looked , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} for the first time believed — believed that [the dead]_{5880-the dead} lived and gathered there . White , shadowy , countless shapes loomed through the gloom , all motionless , all noiseless , all beautiful , with the serene yet terrible loveliness of death . In [their]_2112-their midst burned a lamp ; as the light burns night and day in [the tombs of [the kings of the east]_{2114-the kings of the east}]_{2113-the tombs of the kings of the east} . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} colour paled , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} breath came and went , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} body trembled like a leaf ; yet [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was not afraid . An ecstasy of surprise and faith smote the dull misery of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw at last another world than [the world of toil]_{2115-the world of toil} in which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had laboured without sigh and without hope , as [the blinded ox]_{2116-the blinded ox} laboured in [the brick‐field]_{2117-the brick‐field} , treading [his]_{2116-the blinded ox} endless circles in the endless dark , and only told that it was day by blows . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had no fear of [them]_2118-them — these , whom [she]_{104-folle‐farine} deemed [the dwellers of [the lands beyond the sun]_{2120-the lands beyond the sun}]_{2119-the dwellers of the lands beyond the sun} , could not be more cruel to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} than had been [the sons of [men]_364-men]_{2121-the sons of men} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} yearned to [them]_2118-them , longed for [them]_2118-them ; wondered with rapture and with awe if these were [the messengers of [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} father]_{389-her father} ’s kingdom]_{2123-the messengers of her father ’s kingdom} ; if these would have mercy on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and take [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with [them]_2118-them to [[their]_2118-them immortal homes]_{2125-their immortal homes} — whether of [heaven]_1212-heaven or of hell , what mattered it ? It was enough to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} that it would not be of [earth]_5276-earth . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} raised [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} upon the ledge above the rushes , poised [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} lightly as a bird , and with deft soundless feet dropped safely on the floor within , and stood in the midst of [that enchanted world]_{2128-that enchanted world} . Stood motionless , gazing upwards with rapt eyes , and daring barely to draw breath with any audible sigh , lest [she]_{104-folle‐farine} should rouse [them]_2118-them , and be driven from [their]_2118-them presence . The flame of the lamp , and the moonlight , reflected back from the foam of [the risen waters]_{2129-the risen waters} , shed a strange , pallid , shadowy light on all the forms around [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . “ [They]_2118-them are the dead , surely , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stood amongst [them]_2118-them ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stayed there with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} arms folded on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} breast to still its beating , lest any sound should anger [them]_2118-them and betray [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; a thing lower than the dust — [a mortal amidst this great immortal host]_{2130-a mortal amidst this great immortal host} . The mists and the shadows between [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes and them parted them as with a sea of dim and subtle vapour , through which they looked white and implacable as a summer cloud , when it seems to lean and touch the edge of [the world]_{268-the world} in a grey , quiet dawn . [They]_2118-them were but the creations of [an artist]_{284-an artist} ’s classic dreams , but to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} [they]_2118-them seemed to thrill , to move , to sigh , to gaze on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , [they]_2118-them seemed to live with that life of the air , of the winds , of the stars , of silence and solitude , and all the nameless liberties of death , of which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} dreamed when , shunned , and cursed , and hungered , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} looked up to the skies at night from a sleepless bed . [They]_2118-them were indeed the dead : the dead of that fair time when all [the earth]_{288-the earth} was young , and [men]_364-men communed with [[their]_364-men deities]_{2135-their deities} , and loved [them]_{2135-their deities} , and were not afraid . When [[their]_364-men gods]_{2136-their gods} were with [them]_364-men in [their]_364-men daily lives ; and when in every breeze that curled [the sea]_{405-the sea} , in every cloud that darkened in [the west]_{2138-the west} , in every water‐course that leaped and sparkled in [the sacred cedar groves]_{2139-the sacred cedar groves} , in every bee‐sucked blossom of wild thyme that grew purple by [the marble temple steps]_{2140-the marble temple steps} , the breath and the glance of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} were felt , the footfall and the voice of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} were heard . [They]_2118-them were indeed the dead : [the dead who — dying earliest]_{2143-the dead who — dying earliest} , whilst yet [the earth]_{288-the earth} was young enough to sorrow for its heroic lives , to embalm [them]_2118-them , to remember [them]_2118-them , and to count [them]_2118-them worthy of lament — perished in [their]_2118-them bodies , but lived for ever immortal in the traditions of [the world]_{268-the world} . From [every space of the sombre chamber]_{2146-every space of the sombre chamber} some one of these gazed on [her]_2147-her through the mist . Here the silver dove of [Argos]_38-argos winged [her]_2147-her way through the iron jaws of [the dark sea‐gates]_{2148-the dark sea‐gates} ; here [the white Io]_{2149-the white io} wandered , in exile and unresting , for ever scourged on by the sting in [her]_{2149-the white io} flesh , as [a man by the genius in [him]_{2150-a man by the genius in him}]_{2150-a man by the genius in him} . Here the glad god whom [all the woodlands]_{2151-all the woodlands} loved , played in the moonlight , on [his]_{2150-a man by the genius in him} reeds , to the young stags that couched at [his]_{2150-a man by the genius in him} feet in golden beds of daffodils and asphodel . Here over [a darkened land]_{2152-a darkened land} [the great Demeter]_{163-the great demeter} moved , bereaved and childless , bidding the vine be barren , and the fig trees stay fruitless , and the seed of the sown furrows lie strengthless to multiply and fill the sickles with the ripe increase . Here [the women of [Thebes]_39-thebes]_{2153-the women of thebes} danced upon [Cithæron]_40-cithæron in the mad moonless nights , under the cedars , with loose hair on the wind , and bosoms that heaved and brake through [their]_{2153-the women of thebes} girdles of fawnskin . Here at this labour , in [Pheræ]_41-pheræ , the sun‐god toiled as [a slave]_{5533-a slave} ; the highest wrought as the lowest ; while [wise Hermes]_164-hermes stood by and made mirth of the kingship that had bartered the rod of dominion for the mere music which empty air could make in a hollow reed . Here , too , [the brother gods]_{2155-the brother gods} stood , [Hypnos]_165-hypnos and [Oneiros]_166-oneiros , and [Thanatos]_167-thanatos ; [their]_{2155-the brother gods} bowed heads crowned with the poppy and moonwort , the flowering fern , and the amaranth , and , pressed to [their]_{2155-the brother gods} lips , a white rose , in the old sweet symbol of silence ; fashioned in the same likeness , with the same winged feet which yet fall so softly , that no human ears hear [their]_{2155-the brother gods} coming ; [the gods that most of all have pity on [men]_364-men , [the gods of the Night and of [the Grave]_{42-the grave}]_{2158-the gods of the night and of the grave}]_{2156-the gods that most of all have pity on men , the gods of the night and of the grave} . These [she]_2159-she saw ; not plainly , but through the wavering shadows , and the halo of the vapours which floated , dense and silvery as smoke , in from [the misty river]_{2160-the misty river} . [Their]_{2155-the brother gods} lips were dumb , and for [her]_2159-she they had no name nor story , and yet [they]_{2155-the brother gods} spoke to [her]_2159-she with familiar voices . [She]_2159-she knew [them]_{2155-the brother gods} , [she]_2159-she knew that [they]_{2155-the brother gods} were [gods]_5169-gods , and yet were dead ; and in the eyes of [the forest‐god]_{2162-the forest‐god} , who piped upon [his]_{2162-the forest‐god} reeds , [she]_2159-she saw the eyes of [Phratos]_121-phratos look on [her]_2159-she with [their]_{2155-the brother gods} tender laughter and [their]_{2155-the brother gods} unforgotten love . Just so had [he]_{2162-the forest‐god} looked so long ago — so long!—in [the deep woods]_{2163-the deep woods} at moonrise , when [he]_{2162-the forest‐god} had played to the bounding fawns , to the leaping waters , to the listening trees , to the sleeping flowers . [They]_2164-they had called [him]_{2162-the forest‐god} [an outcast]_{5498-an outcast} — and lo!—she found [him]_{2162-the forest‐god} [a god]_{942-a god} . [She]_2159-she sank on [her]_2159-she knees , and buried [her]_2159-she face in [her]_2159-she hands , and wept — wept with grief for [the living lost for ever]_{2167-the living lost for ever} , wept with joy that [the dead]_{5880-the dead} for ever lived . Tears had rarely sprung to [her]_2159-she proud rebellious eyes ; [she]_2159-she deemed them human things , things of weakness and of shame ; [she]_2159-she had thrust them back and bitten [her]_2159-she lips till the blood came , in a thousand hours of pain , rather than that [men]_364-men should be able to see [them]_2170-them and exult . The passion had its way for once , and spent itself , and passed ; [she]_2159-she rose trembling and pale ; with [her]_2159-she eyes wet and dimmed in lustre , like stars that shine through rain . [She]_2159-she looked around [her]_2159-she fearfully . [She]_2159-she thought that [the gods]_{1366-the gods} might rise in wrath against [her]_2159-she , even as [mortals]_2172-mortals did , for daring to be weary of [her]_2159-she life . As [she]_2159-she rose , [she]_2159-she saw for the first time before the cold hearth the body of [a man]_{4875-a man} . It was stretched straightly out on the stone floor ; the chest was bare ; upon the breast the right hand was clenched close and hard ; the limbs were in profound repose ; the head was lit by the white glimmer from the moon ; the face was calm and colourless , and full of sadness . In the dim strange light it looked white as marble , colossal as a statue , in that passionless rest , that dread repose . Instinctively [she]_2159-she drew nearer to [him]_{4875-a man} ; breathless and allured [she]_2159-she bent forward and looked closer on [his]_{4875-a man} face . [He]_{4875-a man} was [a god]_{942-a god} , like [all the rest]_{2175-all the rest} , [she]_2159-she thought ; but dead — not as [they]_2172-mortals were dead , with [eyes that still rejoiced in the light of cloudless suns , and with lips that still smiled with a serene benignity and an eternal love,—but dead]_{2176-eyes that still rejoiced in the light of cloudless suns , and with lips that still smiled with a serene benignity and an eternal love,—but dead} , as [mortals die , without hope , without release]_{2177-mortals die , without hope , without release} , with [their]_{2177-mortals die , without hope , without release} breath frozen on [their]_{2177-mortals die , without hope , without release} tired lips , and bound on [their]_{2177-mortals die , without hope , without release} hearts eternally the burden of [their]_{2177-mortals die , without hope , without release} sin and woe . [She]_2159-she leaned down close by [his]_{4875-a man} side , and looked on [him]_{4875-a man} — sorrowful , because , [[he]_{4875-a man} alone of [all the gods]_{2179-all the gods}]_{2178-he alone of all the gods} was stricken there , and [he]_{4875-a man} alone had the shadow of mortality upon [him]_{4875-a man} . Looking thus [she]_2159-she saw that [his]_{4875-a man} hands were clenched upon [his]_{4875-a man} chest , as though [their]_2180-their latest effort had been to tear the bones asunder , and wrench out a heart that ached beneath them ; [she]_2159-she saw that this was not a divine , but a human form,—dead indeed as the rest were , but dead by [a man]_{4875-a man} ’s death of assassination , or disease , or suicide , or what [men]_364-men love to call the “ act of heaven , ”_[364-men] whereby [they]_364-men mean the self‐sown fruits of [their]_364-men own faults and follies . Had [the gods]_{1366-the gods} slain [him]_{4875-a man} — being [a mortal]_{2184-a mortal} — for [his]_{4875-a man} entrance there ? [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} in legends had told of [her]_2159-she of such things . [He]_{4875-a man} was human ; with a human beauty ; which yet white was cold and golden , full of serenity and sadness , was like the sun‐god ’s yonder , and very strange to [her]_2159-she whose eyes had only rested on the sunburnt , pinched , and rugged faces of [the populace around [her]_2159-she]_{2185-the populace around her} . That beauty allured [her]_2159-she ; [she]_2159-she forgot that [he]_{4875-a man} had against [her]_2159-she the crime of that humanity which [she]_2159-she hated . [He]_{4875-a man} was too [her]_2159-she like some noble forest beast , some splendid bird of prey , struck down by a bolt from some murderous bow , strengthless and senseless , yet majestic even in its fall . “ [The gods]_{1366-the gods} slew [him]_{4875-a man} because [he]_{4875-a man} dared to be too like to [themselves]_{1366-the gods} , ”_[2159-she] [she]_2159-she thought , “ else [he]_{4875-a man} could not be so beautiful,—he,—only [a man]_{4875-a man} , and dead ? ”_[2159-she] The dreamy intoxication of fancy had deadened [her]_2159-she to all sense of time or fact . The exaltation of nerve and brain made all fantastic phantasies seem possible to [her]_2159-she as truth . [Herself]_2159-she , [she]_2159-she was strong ; and desolate no more , since the eyes of [the immortals]_{2186-the immortals} had smiled on [her]_2159-she , and bade [her]_2159-she welcome there ; and [she]_2159-she felt an infinite pity on [him]_{4875-a man} , inasmuch as with all [his]_{4875-a man} likeness to [them]_{2186-the immortals} [he]_{4875-a man} yet , having incurred [their]_{2186-the immortals} wrath , lay helpless there as any broken reed . [She]_2159-she bent above [him]_{4875-a man} [her]_2159-she dark rich face , with a soft compassion on it ; [she]_2159-she stroked the pale heavy gold of [his]_{4875-a man} hair , with fingers brown and lithe , but infinitely gentle ; [she]_2159-she fanned the cold pain of [his]_{4875-a man} forehead , with the breath of [her]_2159-she rose‐like mouth ; [she]_2159-she touched [him]_{4875-a man} , stroked [him]_{4875-a man} , gazed on [him]_{4875-a man} , as [she]_2159-she would have caressed and looked on the velvet hide of the stag , the dappled plumage of the hawk , the white leaf of the lily . A subtle , vague pleasure stole on [her]_2159-she , a sharp sweet sorrow moved her,—for [he]_{4875-a man} was beautiful , and [he]_{4875-a man} was dead . “ If [they]_6039-they would give [him]_{4875-a man} back [his]_{4875-a man} life ? ”_[2159-she] [she]_2159-she thought ; and [she]_2159-she looked for [the glad forest god playing on [his]_{4875-a man} reed]_{2187-the glad forest god playing on his reed} amidst the amber asphodels , [he]_{2187-the glad forest god playing on his reed} who had the smile and the glance of [Phratos]_121-phratos . But [she]_2159-she could see [his]_{4875-a man} face no more . The wind rose , the moon was hidden , all was dark save the flicker of the flame of the lamp ; the storm had broken and the rain fell : [she]_2159-she saw nothing now but the bowed head of [Thanatos]_167-thanatos , holding the rose of silence to [his]_{4875-a man} lips . On [her]_2159-she ear there seemed to steal a voice from the darkness , saying : “ One life alone can ransom another . Live immortal with [us]_6040-us ; or for [that dead man]_{6041-that dead man} — perish . ”_[2159-she] [She]_2159-she bowed [her]_2159-she head where [she]_2159-she knelt in the darkness ; the force of an irresistible fate seemed upon [her]_2159-she ; that sacrifice which is at once the delirium and divinity of [her]_2159-she sex had entered into [her]_2159-she . [She]_2159-she was so lowly a thing ; [a creature so loveless and cursed]_{2188-a creature so loveless and cursed} ; [the gods]_{1366-the gods} , if [they]_{1366-the gods} took [her]_2159-she in pity , would soon scorn [her]_2159-she as [men]_364-men had scorned ; whilst [he]_{4875-a man} whom [they]_{1366-the gods} had slain [there]_439-there — though so still , so white and mute , so powerless,—he looked [a king amongst [men]_364-men]_{2192-a king amongst men} , though [the gods]_{1366-the gods} for [his]_{4875-a man} daring had killed [him]_{4875-a man} . “ Let [him]_{4875-a man} live ! ”_[2159-she] [she]_2159-she murmured . “ As for me,—I am nothing — nothing . Let [me]_2159-she die as the Dust dies — what matter ? ”_[2159-she] The wind blew the flame of the lamp into darkness ; the moon still shone through the storm on to the face of [Thanatos]_167-thanatos . [He]_{4875-a man} alone heard . [He]_{4875-a man} — [the only friend who , come [he]_{4875-a man} early or late]_{2195-the only friend who , come he early or late} , fails no living thing at the last . [He]_{4875-a man} alone remained , and waited for [her]_2159-she : [he]_{4875-a man} , whom alone of all the gods — for [this man]_{1234-this man} ’s sake — [she]_2159-she chose . WHEN the trance of [her]_2159-she delirious imaginations passed , [they]_2197-they left [her]_2159-she tranquil , but with the cold of death seeming to pass already from the form [she]_2159-she looked on into [hers]_2159-she . [She]_2159-she was still crouching by [his]_{4875-a man} body on the hearth ; and knew what [she]_2159-she had chosen , and did not repent . [He]_{4875-a man} was dead still;—or so [she]_2159-she thought;—she watched [him]_{4875-a man} with dim dreaming eyes , watched [him]_{4875-a man} as [women]_365-women do who love . [She]_2159-she drew the fair glistening hair through [her]_2159-she hands ; [she]_2159-she touched the closed and blue‐veined eyelids tenderly ; [she]_2159-she laid [her]_2159-she ear against [his]_{4875-a man} heart to hearken for the first returning pulses of the life [she]_2159-she had brought back to [him]_{4875-a man} . It was no more to [her]_2159-she the dead body of [a man]_{4875-a man} , unknown , unheeded , [a stranger]_{5005-a stranger} , and because [a mortal]_{2184-a mortal} , of necessity to [her]_2159-she [a foe]_{2202-a foe} . It was a nameless wondrous mystic force and splendour to which [she]_2159-she had given back the pulse of existence , the light of day ; which was no more [the gods]_{1366-the gods} ’ , nor [any man]_{4852-any man} ’s , no more the prey of death , nor the delight of love ; but [hers]_2159-she — [hers]_2159-she — shared only with the greatness [she]_2159-she had bought for [him]_{4875-a man} . Even as [she]_2159-she looked on [him]_{4875-a man} [she]_2159-she felt the first faint flutter in [his]_{4875-a man} heart ; [she]_2159-she heard the first faint breath upon [his]_{4875-a man} lips . [His]_{4875-a man} eyes unclosed and looked straight at [hers]_2159-she , without reason or lustre in them , clouded with a heavy and delirious pain . “ To die — of hunger — like a rat in a trap ! ”_{[4875-a man]} [he]_{4875-a man} muttered in [his]_{4875-a man} throat , and strove to rise ; [he]_{4875-a man} fell back , senseless , striking [his]_{4875-a man} head upon the stones . [She]_2159-she started ; [her]_2159-she hands ceased to wander through [his]_{4875-a man} hair , and touch [his]_{4875-a man} cold lips as [she]_2159-she would have touched the cup of a flower ; [she]_2159-she rose slowly to [her]_2159-she feet . [She]_2159-she had heard ; and the words , so homely and so familiar in the lives of [all the poor]_{2205-all the poor} , pierced the wild faiths and visions of [her]_2159-she heated brain , as a ray of the clear daybreak pierces through the purple smoke from altar fires of sacrifice . The words were so terrible , and yet so trite ; they cleft the mists of [her]_2159-she dreams as tempered steel cleaves folds of gossamer . “ To die — of hunger ! ”_[2159-she] [She]_2159-she muttered the phrase after [him]_{4875-a man} — shaken from [her]_2159-she stupor by its gaunt and common truth . It roused [her]_2159-she to the consciousness of all [his]_{4875-a man} actual needs . [Her]_2159-she heart rebelled even against [[her]_2159-she newly found immortal masters]_{2206-her newly found immortal masters} , since , being in wrath , [they]_{2206-her newly found immortal masters} could not strike [him]_{4875-a man} swiftly with [their]_{2206-her newly found immortal masters} vengeance , but had killed [him]_{4875-a man} thus with these lingering and most bitter pangs , and had gathered there as to a festival to see [him]_{4875-a man} die . As [she]_2159-she stooped above [him]_{4875-a man} , [she]_2159-she could discern the faint earthy cavernous odour , which comes from the languid lungs and empty chests of one who has long fasted , almost unto death . [She]_2159-she had known that famine odour many a time ere then ; in [the hut of [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax}]_{2207-the hut of manon dax} , and by the hedge rows , and in the ditches , that made the sick beds of many another , as old , as wretched , and as nobly stubborn against alms ; in times of drought or in inclement winters , [the people in all [that country]_{2209-that country} side]_{2208-the people in all that country side} suffered continually from the hunger torment ; [she]_2159-she had often passed by [men]_364-men and [women]_365-women , and [children]_366-children , crouching in black and wretched cabins , or lying fever stricken on [the cold stony fields]_{2213-the cold stony fields} , glad to gnaw a shred of sheepskin , or suck a thorny bramble of [the fields]_{316-the fields} to quiet the gnawing of [their]_2215-their entrails . [She]_2159-she stood still beside [him]_{4875-a man} , and thought . All light had died ; the night was black with storm ; the shadowy shapes were gone ; there were the roar of the rushing river , and the tumult of the winds and rains upon the silence ; all [she]_2159-she saw was this golden head ; this colourless face ; this lean and nerveless hand that rested on the feebly beating heart;—these [she]_2159-she saw still as [she]_2159-she would have seen the white outlines of a statue in the dark . [He]_{4875-a man} moved a little , with a hollow sigh . “ Bread,—bread,—bread ! ”_{[4875-a man]} [he]_{4875-a man} muttered . “ To die for bread ! — ”_{[4875-a man]} At the words , all the quick resource and self reliance which the hard life [she]_2159-she led had sharpened and strengthened in [her]_2159-she , awoke amidst the dreams and passions , and meditations of [her]_2159-she mystical faiths , and [her]_2159-she poetic ignorance . The boldness and the independence of [her]_2159-she nature roused [themselves]_2215-their ; [she]_2159-she had prayed for [him]_{4875-a man} to [the gods]_{1366-the gods} , and to the gods given [herself]_2159-she for [him]_{4875-a man} ; that was well — if [they]_2215-their kept [their]_2215-their faith . But if [they]_2215-their forsook it ? The blood rushed back to [her]_2159-she heart with its old proud current ; alone , [she]_2159-she swore to [herself]_2159-she to save [him]_{4875-a man} . To save [him]_{4875-a man} in [the gods]_{1366-the gods} ’ despite . In [the street]_{5250-the street} that day , [she]_2159-she had found the half of a roll of black bread . It had lain in the mud , none claiming it : [a sulky lad]_{2219-a sulky lad} passed it in scorn , [a beggar with gold in [his]_{2220-a beggar with gold in his wallet} wallet]_{2220-a beggar with gold in his wallet} kicked it aside with [his]_{2220-a beggar with gold in his wallet} crutch ; [she]_2159-she took it and put it by for [her]_2159-she supper ; so often some stripe or some jibe replaced a begrudged meal for [her]_2159-she at [[Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} ’s board]_{2221-flamma ’s board} . That was all [she]_2159-she had . A crust dry as a bone , which could do nothing towards saving [him]_{4875-a man} , could be of no more use to pass those clenched teeth , and warm those frozen veins , than so much of the wet sand gathered up from [the river shore]_{2222-the river shore} . Neither could there be any wood , which , if brought in and lit , would burn . All the timber was green and full of sap , and all , for a score square leagues around , was at that hour drenched with water . [She]_2159-she knew that the warmth of fire to dry the deadly dampness in the air , the warmth of wine to quicken the chillness and the torpor of the reviving life , were what were wanted beyond all other things . [She]_2159-she had seen famine in all its stages , and [she]_2159-she knew the needs and dangers of that fell disease . There was not a creature in all [the world]_{268-the world} , who would have given [her]_2159-she so much as a loaf or a faggot ; even if the thought of seeking human aid had ever dawned on [her]_2159-she . As it was , [she]_2159-she never even dreamed of it ; every human hand,—to the rosy fist of [the smallest and fairest child,—was]_{2224-the smallest and fairest child,—was} always clenched against [her]_2159-she ; [she]_2159-she would have sooner asked for honey from a lot of snakes , or sought a bed of roses in a swarm of wasps , than have begged mercy or aid at any human hearth . [She]_2159-she knew nothing , either , of an social laws that might have made such need as this , a public care on public alms . [She]_2159-she was used to see [men]_364-men , [women]_365-women , and [children]_366-children perishing of want ; [she]_2159-she had heard [people]_476-people curse [the land]_{4984-the land} [that bore , and would not nourish ,]_{2230-that bore , and would not nourish ,} [them]_476-people . [She]_2159-she was habituated to work hard for every bit or drop that passed [her]_2159-she lips ; [she]_2159-she lived amidst [multitudes who did the same]_{2231-multitudes who did the same} ; [she]_2159-she knew nothing of any public succour to which appeal could in such straits be made . If bread were not forthcoming , [a man]_{4875-a man} or [a woman]_{4876-a woman} had to die for lack of it , as [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} and [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} had done ; that seemed to [her]_2159-she a rule of fate , against which there was no good in either resistance or appeal . What could [she]_2159-she do ? [she]_2159-she pondered . Whatever [she]_2159-she would do , [she]_2159-she knew that [she]_2159-she had to do quickly . Yet [she]_2159-she stood irresolute . To do anything , [she]_2159-she had to stoop [herself]_2159-she down to that sin to which no suffering or privation of [her]_2159-she own had ever tempted [her]_2159-she . In a vague fierce fashion , unholpen and untaught , [she]_2159-she hated all sin . [All]_424-all quoted it as [her]_2159-she only birthright ; all told [her]_2159-she that [she]_2159-she was imbued with it body and soul ; all saw it in [her]_2159-she slightest acts , in [her]_2159-she most harmless words ; and [she]_2159-she abhorred this , the one gift which [men]_364-men cast to [her]_2159-she as [her]_2159-she only heirloom , with a strong scornful loathing which stood [her]_2159-she in the stead of virtue . With an instinctive cynicism which moved [her]_2159-she con‐ tinually , yet to which [she]_2159-she could have given no name , [she]_2159-she had loved to see [the children]_{452-the children} and the maidens,—those who held [her]_2159-she accursed , and were [themselves]_2237-their held so innocent and just,—steal the ripe cherries from the stalk , pluck the forbidden flowers that nodded over [the convent]_{2238-the convent} walls , pierce through the boundary fence to reach another ’s pear , speak a lie softly to [the old greyheaded priest]_{2239-the old greyheaded priest} , and lend [their]_2237-their ripe lips to [a soldier]_{2240-a soldier} ’s rough salute , whilst [she]_2159-she , [the daughter of hell]_{2241-the daughter of hell} , pointed at , despised , shunned as [a leper]_{2242-a leper} , hunted as a witch,—kept [her]_2159-she hands soilless and [her]_2159-she lips untouched . It was a pride to [her]_2159-she , to say in [her]_2159-she teeth , “ [I]_2159-she am stronger than [they]_2237-their , ”_[2159-she] when [she]_2159-she saw the stolen peach in [their]_2237-their hand , and heard the lying word on [their]_2237-their tongue . It had a savage sweetness for [her]_2159-she , the will with which [she]_2159-she denied [herself]_2159-she the luxurious fruit that , unseen , [she]_2159-she could have reached a thousand times from the walls when [her]_2159-she throat was parched and [her]_2159-she body empty ; with which [she]_2159-she uttered the truth , and the truth alone , though it brought the blows of the cudgel down on [her]_2159-she shoulders ; with which [she]_2159-she struck aside in disdain , the insolent eyes , and mocking mouths of [the youths]_{512-the youths} , who would fain have taught [her]_2159-she , that if beggared of all other things , [she]_2159-she was at least rich in form and hue . [She]_2159-she hated sin , for sin seemed to [her]_2159-she only a human word for utter feebleness ; [she]_2159-she had never sinned for [herself]_2159-she , as far as [she]_2159-she knew ; yet to serve [this man]_{1234-this man} , on whose face [she]_2159-she had never looked before that night , [she]_2159-she was ready to stoop to the thing which [she]_2159-she abhorred . [She]_2159-she had been so proud of [her]_2159-she freedom for all those frailties of passion , and greed , and self pity , with which the souls of [the maidens around [her]_2159-she]_{2245-the maidens around her} were haunted;—so proud , with the chaste , tameless arrogance of [the women of [her]_2159-she race]_{2246-the women of her race} , that was bred in [their]_{2246-the women of her race} blood , and taught [them]_{2246-the women of her race} as [their]_{2246-the women of her race} first duty , by the oriental and jealous laws of [[their]_{2246-the women of her race} vengeful and indolent masters]_{2247-their vengeful and indolent masters} . [She]_2159-she had been so proud!—yet the cleanliness of hand and heart , this immunity from [[her]_2159-she enemies]_{2248-her enemies} ’ weakness , this independence which [she]_2159-she had worn as a buckler of proof against all blows , which [she]_2159-she had girded about [her]_2159-she as a zone of purity more precious than gold — this , the sole treasure [she]_2159-she had , [she]_2159-she was about to surrender for the sake of [a stranger]_{5005-a stranger} . It was a greater gift , and one harder to give , than this mortal life [she]_2159-she had offered for [his]_2250-his to [[his]_2250-his gods]_{5675-his gods} . As [she]_2159-she kneeled on the stone floor beside [him]_2250-his , [her]_2159-she heart was torn with a mute and violent struggle ; [her]_2159-she bent face grew dark and rigid , [her]_2159-she haughty brows knit together in sadness and conflict . In the darkness [he]_2250-his moved a little ; [he]_2250-his was unconscious , yet ever , in that burning stupor , one remembrance , one regret , remained with [him]_2250-his . “ That the mind of [a man]_{4875-a man} can be killed for the want of the food thrown to swine ! ”_[2250-his] [he]_2250-his muttered drearily , in the one gleam of reason that shone through the delirium of [his]_2250-his brain . The words were broken , disjointed , almost inarticulate ; but they stung [her]_2159-she to action as the spur stings a horse . [She]_2159-she started erect , and crossed [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} , leapt through the open portion of the casement , and lighted again without , knee deep in water . [She]_2159-she lost [her]_2159-she footing and fell , entangled in the rushes ; but [she]_2159-she rose and climbed in the darkness to where the roots of an oak stump stretched into [the stream]_{374-the stream} , and , gaining [the shore]_{2087-the shore} , ran as well as the storm and the obscurity allowed [her]_2159-she , along [the bank]_{2255-the bank} , straight towards [Yprès]_11-yprès . It was a wild and bitter night ; the rushing of [the foaming river]_{2256-the foaming river} went by [her]_2159-she all the way ; [the path]_{2257-the path} was flooded ; [she]_2159-she was up to [her]_2159-she ankles in water at every step , and was often forced to wade through channels a foot deep . [She]_2159-she went on straight towards [[her]_2159-she home]_{5555-her home} , unconscious of cold , of fatigue , of [her]_2159-she wet clinging clothes , of the water that splashed unseen in the black night up against [her]_2159-she face as [her]_2159-she steps sank into [some shaking strip of marsh]_{2259-some shaking strip of marsh} , [some brook that , in the rising of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{2260-some brook that , in the rising of the river} , ran hissing and swelling to twice its common height . All [she]_2159-she was sensible of was of one inspiration , one purpose , one memory that seemed to give [her]_2159-she the wings of the wind , and yet to clog [her]_2159-she feet with the weight of lead,—the memory of [that white and senseless face , lying beneath the watch of the cruel gods]_{2262-that white and senseless face , lying beneath the watch of the cruel gods} . [She]_2159-she reached [Yprès]_11-yprès , feeling and scenting [her]_2159-she way by instinct , as a dog does , all through the tumult of the air and against the force of the driving rains . [She]_2159-she met [no living creature]_{2263-no living creature} ; the weather was too bad for even [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} to be afoot in [it]_2265-it , and even the stray and homeless beasts had sought some shelter from [a ruined shed]_{2266-a ruined shed} or crumbling wall . As softly as a leaf may fall [she]_2159-she unloosed the latch of [the orchard]_{1190-the orchard} , stole through the trees , and took [her]_2159-she way in an impenetrable gloom , with the swift sure flight of one to whom [the place]_{342-the place} had long been as familiar by night as day . The uproar of wind and rain would have muffled the loudest tread . The shutters of [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} were all closed ; it was quite still . [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} and [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} serving people]_{2270-his serving people} were all gone to [their]_2271-their beds , that [they]_2271-their might save by sleep the cost of wood and candle . [She]_2159-she passed round to the side of [the house]_{323-the house} , climbed up the tough network of a tree of ivy , and without much labour loosed the fastenings of [her]_2159-she own loft window , and entering there passed through [the loft]_{1420-the loft} into the body of [the house]_{323-the house} . Opening the door of the landing‐place noiselessly , [she]_2159-she stole down the staircase , making no more sound than a hare makes stealing over mosses to its form . The ever‐wakeful lightly‐sleeping ears of [a miser]_{595-a miser} were near at hand ; but even [they]_2276-they were not aroused ; and [she]_2159-she passed down unheard . [She]_2159-she went hardily , fearlessly , [her]_2159-she mind once set upon the errand . [She]_2159-she did not reason with [herself]_2159-she , as [more timorous creatures]_{2277-more timorous creatures} might have done , that being half starved , and paid not at all , as recompense for strong and continual labour , [she]_2159-she was but about to take a just due withheld , a fair wage long overdue . [She]_2159-she only resolved to take what another needed by a violence which [she]_2159-she had never employed to serve [her]_2159-she own needs , and having resolved went to execute [her]_2159-she resolution with the unhesitating dauntlessness that was bred in [her]_2159-she , flesh and bone . Knowing all the turns and steps of [the obscure passages]_{2278-the obscure passages} , [she]_2159-she quickly found [her]_2159-she way to [the store chambers where such food and fuel as were wanted in [the house]_{323-the house} were stored]_{2279-the store chambers where such food and fuel as were wanted in the house were stored} . The latter was burnt and the former eaten sparingly and grudgingly , but [the store of both]_{2281-the store of both} was at this season of the year fairly abundant . It had more than once happened that [the mill]_{281-the mill} had been cut off from all communication with [the outer world]_{2283-the outer world} by floods that had reached [its]_{281-the mill} upper casements , and Claudis Flamma was provided against any such accidents ; the more abundantly as [he]_2284-he had more than once found it a lucrative matter in such seasons of inundation to lower provisions from [[his]_2284-he roof]_{2285-his roof} to boats floating below when the cotters around were in dire need and ready to sell [their]_2286-their very souls for a bag of rice or string of onions . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} opened the shutter of [the store‐room]_{2287-the store‐room} and let in the faint grey glimmer from the clearing skies . A bat which had been resting from the storm among the rafters fluttered violently against the lattice ; a sparrow driven down the chimney in the hurricane flew up from one of the shelves with a twittering outcry . [She]_2159-she paused to open the lattice for [them]_2288-them both , and set [them]_2288-them free to fly forth into [the still sleeping world]_{2289-the still sleeping world} ; then [she]_2159-she took an old rush basket that hung upon a nail , and filled it with the best of such homely food as was to be found there — loaves , and meats , and rice , and oil , and a flask of the richest wine — wine of [the south]_{2290-the south} , of the hue of the violet , sold under secrecy at a high charge and profit . That done , [she]_2159-she tied together as large a bundle of brushwood and of faggots as [she]_2159-she could push through the window , which was broad and square , and thrust it out by slow degrees ; put [her]_2159-she basket through likewise , and lowered it carefully to the ground ; [she]_2159-she followed [them]_2288-them [herself]_2159-she with the agility born of long practice , and dropped on the grass beneath . [She]_2159-she waited but to close and refasten the shutter from without , then threw the mass of faggots on [her]_2159-she shoulders , and carrying in [her]_2159-she arms the osier basket , took [her]_2159-she backward way through [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} to [the river]_{356-the river} . [She]_2159-she had not taken either bit or drop for [her]_2159-she own use . [She]_2159-she was well used to carry burdens as heavy as the mules bore , and to walk under [them]_2288-them unassisted fro many leagues to [the hamlets]_{1110-the hamlets} and markets round about . But even [her]_2159-she strength of bronze had become fatigued ; [she]_2159-she felt frozen to the bone ; [her]_2159-she clothes were saturated with water , and [her]_2159-she limbs were chill and stiff . Yet [she]_2159-she trudged on , unblenching and unpausing , over the soaked earth , and through the swollen water and the reeds , keeping always by the side of [the stream]_{374-the stream} , that was so angry in the darkness ; by the side of [the grey flooded sands]_{2295-the grey flooded sands} , and the rushes that were blowing with a sound like [the sea]_{405-the sea} . [She]_2159-she met no living creature except a fox , who rushed between [her]_2159-she feet , holding in its mouth a screaming chicken . Once [she]_2159-she stumbled and struck [her]_2159-she head and breast with a dull blow against a pile of wood which , in the furious weather , was unseen by [her]_2159-she . It stunned [her]_2159-she for the instant , but [she]_2159-she rallied and looked up with eyes as used to pierce the deepest gloom as [any goshawk]_{2297-any goshawk} ’s ; [she]_2159-she discerned the outline of [the Calvary]_{43-the calvary} , towering high and weird‐like above [the edge of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{2298-the edge of the river} , where [the priests]_{514-the priests} and [people]_476-people had placed it , so that [the boatmen]_{2302-the boatmen} could abase [themselves]_{2302-the boatmen} and do it honour as [they]_{2302-the boatmen} passed [the banks]_{2303-the banks} . The lantern on the cross shone far across [the stream]_{374-the stream} , but shed no light upon the path [she]_2159-she followed . At its foot [she]_2159-she had stumbled and been bruised upon [her]_2159-she errand of mercy ; the reflection of its rays streamed across to [the opposing shore]_{2305-the opposing shore} , and gave help to a boat load of smugglers landing stolen tobacco in [a little creek]_{2306-a little creek} . [She]_2159-she recovered [herself]_2159-she and trudged on once more along [the lonely road]_{2307-the lonely road} . “ How like [[their]_{2302-the boatmen} god]_{1335-their god} is to [them]_{2302-the boatmen} ! ”_[2159-she] [she]_2159-she thought : the wooden crucifix was the type of [[her]_2159-she persecutors]_{1652-her persecutors} ; of [those who flouted and mocked [her]_2159-she , who flung and pierced [her]_2159-she as [a witch]_{5950-a witch} ; who cursed [her]_2159-she because [she]_2159-she was not of [[their]_{2309-those who flouted and mocked her , who flung and pierced her as a witch ; who cursed her because she was not of their people} people]_{1502-their people}]_{2309-those who flouted and mocked her , who flung and pierced her as a witch ; who cursed her because she was not of their people} . The cross was the hatred of [the world]_{268-the world} incarnated to [her]_2159-she ; it was in [Christ]_113-christ ’s name that [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} ’s corpse had been cast on the dung and in [the ditch]_{2313-the ditch} ; it was in [Christ]_113-christ ’s name that [the women]_{472-the women} had avenged on [her]_2159-she the pity which [she]_2159-she had shown to [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} ; it was in [Christ]_113-christ ’s name that [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} had scourged [her]_2159-she because [she]_2159-she would not pass rotten figs for sweet . For the name of [Christ]_113-christ is used to cover every crime , by [the peasant who cheats [[his]_2316-his neighbour]_{1342-his neighbour} of a copper coin , as by [the sovereign who massacres [a nation]_{2319-a nation} for a throne]_{2318-the sovereign who massacres a nation for a throne}]_{2315-the peasant who cheats his neighbour of a copper coin , as by the sovereign who massacres a nation for a throne} . [She]_2159-she left the black cross reared there against the rushes , and plodded on through sand and rain and flood , bearing [her]_2159-she load : in [Christ]_113-christ ’s name [they]_2320-they would have seized [her]_2159-she as [a thief]_{1383-a thief} . The storm abated a little , and every now and then a gleam of moonlight was shed upon [the flooded meadows]_{2322-the flooded meadows} . [She]_2159-she gained the base of [the tower]_{2323-the tower} , and by means of the length of rope let , by degrees , the firewood and the basket through the open portion of the window on to the floor below , then again followed [them]_2320-they [herself]_2159-she . [Her]_2159-she heart thrilled as [she]_2159-she entered . [Her]_2159-she first glance to the desolate hearth showed [her]_2159-she that the hours of [her]_2159-she absence had brought no change there . [The gods]_{1366-the gods} had not kept faith with [her]_2159-she , [they]_{1366-the gods} had not raised [him]_113-christ from the dead . “ [They]_{1366-the gods} have left it all to [me]_2159-she , ”_[2159-she] [she]_2159-she thought , with the old strange sweet yearning in [her]_2159-she heart over this life that [she]_2159-she had bought with [her]_2159-she own . [She]_2159-she first flung the faggots and brushwood on the hearth , and set them on fire to burn , fanned by the breath of the wind . Then [she]_2159-she poured out a little of the wine , and kneeled down by [him]_113-christ , and forced it drop by drop through [his]_113-christ colourless lips , raising [his]_113-christ head upon [her]_2159-she as [she]_2159-she kneeled . The wine was pure and old ; it suffused [his]_113-christ attenuated frame as with a rush of new blood ; under [her]_2159-she hand [his]_113-christ heart moved with firmer and quicker movement . [She]_2159-she broke bread in the wine and put the soaked morsels to [his]_113-christ mouth as softly as [she]_2159-she would have fed some little shivering bird made nestless by the hurricane . [He]_113-christ was unconscious still , but [he]_113-christ swallowed what [she]_2159-she held to [him]_113-christ , without knowing what [he]_113-christ did ; a slight warmth gradually spread over [his]_113-christ limbs ; a strong shudder shook [him]_113-christ . [His]_113-christ eyes looked dully at [her]_2159-she through a film of exhaustion and of sleep . “ [J’avais quelque]_{168-j’avais quelque} chose là ! ”_[113-christ] [he]_113-christ muttered , incoherently , [his]_113-christ voice rattling in [his]_113-christ hollow chest , as [he]_113-christ raised [himself]_113-christ a little on one arm . “ [J’avais quelque]_{168-j’avais quelque} chose là ! ”_[113-christ] and with a sigh [he]_113-christ fell back once more — [his]_113-christ head tossing in uneasiness from side to side . Amidst the heat and mists of [his]_113-christ aching brain , one thought remained with [him]_113-christ — that [he]_113-christ had created things greater than [himself]_113-christ , and that [he]_113-christ died like a dog , powerless to save [them]_2325-them . The saddest dying words that the air ever bare on its breath — the one bitter vain regret of every genius that [the common herds of [men]_364-men]_{2326-the common herds of men} stamp out under leaden hoofs , as [they]_{2326-the common herds of men} slay [their]_{2326-the common herds of men} mad cattle or [[their]_{2326-the common herds of men} drunken mobs]_{2328-their drunken mobs} — stayed on the blurred confusion of [his]_113-christ mind , which , in its stupor and its helplessness , still knew that once it had been strong to create — that once it had been clear to record — that once it had dreamed the dreams that save [men]_364-men from the life of [the swine]_{2330-the swine} — that once it had told to the world the truth divested of lies,—and that [none]_498-none had seen , [none]_498-none had listened to , [none]_498-none had believed . There is no more terrible woe upon [earth]_5276-earth than the woe of the stricken brain , which remembers the days of its strength , the living light of its reason , the sunrise of its proud intelligence , and knows that these have passed away like a tale that is told ; like a year that is spent ; like an arrow that is shot to the stars , and flies aloft , and falls in [a swamp]_{2335-a swamp} ; like a fruit that is too well loved of the sun , and so , over‐soon ripe , is dropped from the tree and forgot on the grasses , dead to all joys of the dawn and the noon and the summer , but still alive to the sting of the wasp , to the fret of the aphis , to the burn of the drought , to the theft of the parasite . [She]_2336-she only dimly understood , and yet [she]_2336-she was smitten with awe and reverence at that endless grief which had no taint of cowardice upon it , but was pure as [the patriot]_{2337-the patriot} ’s despair , impersonal as [the prophet]_{2338-the prophet} ’s agony . For the first time , the intellect in [her]_2336-she consciously awoke . For the first time [she]_2336-she heard [a human mind]_{2339-a human mind} find voice even in its stupor and its wretchedness to cry aloud , in reproach to its unknown Creator : “ [I]_{2339-a human mind} am [yours]_6044-you ! Shall [I]_{2339-a human mind} perish with the body ? Why have [you]_6044-you ever bade [me]_{2339-a human mind} desire the light and seek it , if for ever [you]_6044-you must thrust [me]_{2339-a human mind} into the darkness of negation ? Shall [I]_{2339-a human mind} be Nothing?—like the muscle that rots , like the bones that crumble , like the flesh that turns to ashes , and blows in a film on the winds ? Shall [I]_{2339-a human mind} die so ? I?—the mind of [a man]_{4875-a man} , the breath of [a god]_{942-a god} ? ”_{[2339-a human mind]} Time went by ; the chimes from [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} tolled dully through the darkness , over the expanse of the flood . The light from the burning wood shone redly and fitfully . The sigh and moan of the tossed rushes , and of the water birds , awakened and afraid , came from [the outer world]_{2283-the outer world} on the winds that blew through the desolation of [the haunted chamber]_{2342-the haunted chamber} . Grey owls flew in the high roof , taking refuge from the night . [Rats]_169-rats hurried noiseless and eager over the stones of the floor , seeking stray grains that fell through the rafters from the granaries above . [She]_2336-she noticed none of these things ; [she]_2336-she never looked up nor around : all [she]_2336-she heard was the throb of the delirious words on the silence , all [she]_2336-she saw was the human face in the clouded light through the smoke from the flame . The glow of the fire shone on the bowed head of [Thanatos]_167-thanatos , the laughing eyes of [Pan]_170-pan , [Hermes]_164-hermes ’ fair cold derisive face , and the majesty of the Lykegênês toiling in the ropes that bound [him]_164-hermes to the mill‐stones to grind bread , for the mortal appetites and the ineloquent lips of [men]_364-men . But at the gods [she]_2336-she barely looked ; [her]_2336-she eyes were bent upon the human form beside [her]_2336-she . [She]_2336-she crouched beside [him]_164-hermes , half kneeling and half sitting : [her]_2336-she clothes were drenched , the fire scorched , the draughts of air froze , [her]_2336-she ; [she]_2336-she had neither eaten nor drunk since the noon of the day ; but [she]_2336-she had no other remembrance than of this life which had the beauty of the sun‐king and the misery of [the beggar]_{1831-the beggar} . [He]_164-hermes lay long , restless , unconscious , muttering strange sad words , at times of sense , at times of folly , but always , whether lucid or delirious , words of rebellion against [his]_164-hermes fate , of a despairing lament for the soul in [him]_164-hermes that would be with the body quenched . After awhile the feverish mutterings of [his]_164-hermes voice grew lower and less frequent ; [his]_164-hermes eyes seemed to become sensible of the glare of the fire , and to contract and close in a more conscious pain ; after a yet longer time [he]_164-hermes ceased to stir so restlessly , ceased to sigh and shudder ; [he]_164-hermes grew quite still , [his]_164-hermes breath came tranquilly , [his]_164-hermes head fell back , and [he]_164-hermes sank to a deep sleep . The personal fears , the womanly terrors , which would have assailed [creatures at once less savage]_{2345-creatures at once less savage} and less innocent never moved [her]_2336-she for an instant . That there was any strangeness in [her]_2336-she action , any peril in this solitude , [she]_2336-she never dreamed . [Her]_2336-she heart , bold with the blood of [Taric]_124-taric , could know no physical fear ; and [her]_2336-she mind at once ignorant and visionary , [her]_2336-she temper at once fierce and unselfish , kept from [her]_2336-she all thought of those suspicions , which would fall on and chastise an act like [hers]_2336-she ; suspicions , such as would have made [women less pure and less dauntless]_{2346-women less pure and less dauntless} tremble at [that lonely house]_{2347-that lonely house} , that night of storm , that unknown fate which [she]_2336-she had taken into [her]_2336-she own hands , unwitting and unheeding whether good or evil might be the issue thereof . To [her]_2336-she [he]_164-hermes was beautiful , [he]_164-hermes suffered , [she]_2336-she had saved [him]_164-hermes from death , and [he]_164-hermes was [hers]_2336-she : and this was all that [she]_2336-she remembered . [She]_2336-she dealt with [him]_164-hermes as [she]_2336-she would have done with some forest beast or bird that [she]_2336-she should have found frozen in [the woods of winter]_{2348-the woods of winter} . [His]_164-hermes head had fallen on [her]_2336-she , and [she]_2336-she crouched unwearied in the posture that gave [him]_164-hermes easiest rest . With a touch so light that it could not awaken [him]_164-hermes , [she]_2336-she stroked the lustreless gold of [his]_164-hermes hair , and from time to time felt for the inaudible beating of [his]_164-hermes heart . Innumerable dreams , shapeless , delicious , swept through [her]_2336-she brain , as the echoes of some music , faint yet unutterably sweet , that half arouses and half soothes some sleeper in a grey drowsy summer dawn . For the first time since the melodies of [Phratos]_121-phratos had died for ever from off [her]_2336-she ear [she]_2336-she was happy . [She]_2336-she did not ask wherefore,—neither of [herself]_2336-she nor of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} did [she]_2336-she question whence came this wonder‐flower of [her]_2336-she nameless joy . [She]_2336-she only sat quiet , and let the hours drift by , and watched [this stranger]_{554-this stranger} as [he]_{554-this stranger} slept , and was content . So the night passed . Whilst yet it seemed night still , the silence trembled with the pipe of waking birds , the darkness quivered with the pale first rays of dawn . Over the flood and [the fields]_{316-the fields} the first light broke . From the unseen world behind the mist , faint bells rang in the coming day . [He]_164-hermes moved in [his]_164-hermes sleep , and [his]_164-hermes eyes unclosed , and looked at [her]_2336-she face as it hung above [him]_164-hermes , like some drooped rose heavy with the too great sweetness of a summer shower . It was but the gaze of a moment , and [his]_164-hermes lids dropped again , weighted with the intense weariness of a slumber that held all [his]_164-hermes senses close in its leaden chains . But the glance , brief though it was , had been conscious;—under it a sudden flush passed over [her]_2336-she , as the life stirs in [the young woodlands]_{2352-the young woodlands} at the near coming of the spring . For the first time since [her]_2336-she birth [she]_2336-she became wholly human . A sharp terror made [her]_2336-she tremble like a leaf ; [she]_2336-she put [his]_164-hermes head softly from [her]_2336-she on the ground , and rose , quivering , to [her]_2336-she feet . It was not [the gods whom [she]_2336-she feared]_{2353-the gods whom she feared} , it was [herself]_2336-she . [She]_2336-she had never once known that [she]_2336-she had beauty , any more than the flower knows it blowing on the wind . [She]_2336-she had passed through the crowds of [fair and market]_{2354-fair and market} , not knowing why [the youths]_{512-the youths} looked after [her]_2336-she with cruel eyes all aglow . [She]_2336-she had walked through [them]_{512-the youths} , indifferent and unconscious , only thinking that [they]_{512-the youths} wanted to hunt [her]_2336-she down as [an unclean beast]_{2356-an unclean beast} , and dared not , because [her]_2336-she teeth were strong . [She]_2336-she had taken a vague pleasure in the supple grace of [her]_2336-she own form , as [she]_2336-she saw it mirrored in [some woodland pool where [she]_2336-she had bathed amidst the water‐lilies]_{2357-some woodland pool where she had bathed amidst the water‐lilies} ; but it had been only such an instinctive and unstudied pleasure as the swan takes in seeing [her]_2336-she silver breast shine back to [her]_2336-she , on the glassy current adown which [she]_2336-she sails . Now,—as [she]_2336-she rose and stood , as the dawn broke , beside [him]_2358-he , on the hearth , and heard the birds ’ first waking notes , that told [her]_2336-she the sun was even then touching the edge of the veiled world to light , a hot shame smote [her]_2336-she , and the womanhood in [her]_2336-she woke . [She]_2336-she looked down on [herself]_2336-she , and saw that [her]_2336-she soaked skirts were knotted above [her]_2336-she knees , as [she]_2336-she had bound them when [she]_2336-she had leaped from [the boat]_{1942-the boat} ’s side ; that [her]_2336-she limbs were wet and glistening with river water , and the moisture from the grasses , and the sand and shingle of [the shore]_{2087-the shore} ; and that the linen of [her]_2336-she vest , threadbare with age , left [her]_2336-she arms bare to the shoulders , and showed , through its rents , the gleam of [her]_2336-she warm brown skin and the curves of [her]_2336-she shining shoulders . A sudden horror came upon [her]_2336-she , lest [he]_2358-he should awake again and see [her]_2336-she as [she]_2336-she was;—wet , miserable , half‐clothed , wind‐tossed like the rushes , outcast and ashamed . [She]_2336-she did not know that [she]_2336-she had beauty in [her]_2336-she ; [she]_2336-she did not know that even as [she]_2336-she was , [she]_2336-she had an exquisite grace in [her]_2336-she savage loveliness , as storm‐birds have in theirs against the thunder‐cloud and the lightning blaze of [their]_2361-their water‐world in tempest . [She]_2336-she felt a sudden shrinking from all chance of [his]_2358-he clearer and more conscious gaze ; a sudden agony of shy dread , and longing to hide [herself]_2336-she under [the earth]_{288-the earth} , or take refuge in [the depths of the waters]_{2363-the depths of the waters} , rather than meet the eyes to which [she]_2336-she had given back the light of life cast on [her]_2336-she in abhorrence and in scorn . That [he]_2358-he could have any other look for [her]_2336-she , [she]_2336-she had no thought . [She]_2336-she had been [an outcast amongst an alien people]_{2364-an outcast amongst an alien people} too long to dream that any human love or gratitude or praise could ever fall on [her]_2336-she . [She]_2336-she had been too long cursed by every tongue , to dream that any human voice could ever arise in honour or in welcome to a thing so despised and criminal as [she]_2336-she . For the gift which [she]_2336-she had given [this man]_{1234-this man} too would only live to curse her;—that [she]_2336-she had known when [she]_2336-she had offered it . [She]_2336-she drew [her]_2336-she rude garments closer , and stole away with velvet footfall , through the twilight of the dawn ; [her]_2336-she head hung down , and [her]_2336-she face was flushed as with some great guilt . With the rising of the day all [her]_2336-she new joy was dead . With the waking of [the world]_{268-the world} , all [her]_2336-she dreams shrank back into secrecy and shame . The mere timid song of the linnet in the leafless bushes seemed sharp on [her]_2336-she ear , calling on [her]_2336-she to rise and go and toil with the beasts of [the share]_{2367-the share} and the shaft , as [the creature of labour]_{2368-the creature of labour} , of exile , of namelessness , and of despair , that [men]_364-men had made [her]_2336-she . At the casement , [she]_2336-she turned and cast one lingering glance upon [him]_{1234-this man} where [he]_{1234-this man} slept ; then once more [she]_2336-she launched [herself]_2336-she into the dusky watery mists of the cold dawn . [She]_2336-she had made no more sound in [her]_2336-she passing than a bird makes in its flight . [The sleeper]_{2370-the sleeper} never stirred , but dreamed on motionless , in the darkness and the silence , and the drowsy warmth . [He]_{1234-this man} dreamed indeed , of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s form , half‐bare , golden of hue like a fruit of [the south]_{2290-the south} , blue veined , and flushed to changing rose heats , like an opal ’s fire ; with limbs strong and yet slender , gleaming wet with water , and brown arched feet shining with silvery sands ; with mystical eyes , black as night and amorous‐lidded ; and a mouth like the half‐closed bud of a flower , which sighing seemed to breathe upon [him]_{1234-this man} the fragrance of dim cedar‐woods shrouded in summer rains , of honey‐weighted heather blown by moorland winds , of almond blossoms shed like [snow against a purple sea]_{2373-snow against a purple sea} ; of all things air‐born , sun‐fed , fair and free . But [he]_{1234-this man} saw these only as in a dream ; and , as a dream , when [he]_{1234-this man} awakened [they]_2374-they had passed . Though still dark from mists and heavy clouds , the dawn grew on to morning as [she]_2336-she went noiselessly away over [the grey sands]_{2375-the grey sands} , [the wet shore paths]_{2376-the wet shore paths} , the sighing rushes . [The river‐meadows]_{2377-the river‐meadows} were all flooded , and on the opposite banks [the road]_{4855-the road} was impassable ; but on [her]_2336-she side [she]_2336-she could still find footing , for the ground there had a steeper rise , and the swollen tide had not reached in any public roadway too high for [her]_2336-she to wade , or draw [herself]_2336-she by the half‐merged bushes through it on [the homeward tracks]_{2379-the homeward tracks} to [Yprès]_11-yprès . The low sun was hidden in a veil of water . The old convent‐bells of all the country‐side rang through the mists . The day was very young as yet ; but the life of [the soil]_{5632-the soil} and [the stream]_{374-the stream} was waking as the birds were . [Boats]_2382-boats went by on the current , bearing a sad freightage of sheep drowned in the night , and [ruined peasants , whose little wealth of stack and [henhouse]_{2384-henhouse} had been swept down by the unlooked‐for tide]_{2383-ruined peasants , whose little wealth of stack and henhouse had been swept down by the unlooked‐for tide} . From [the distant banks]_{2385-the distant banks} , the voices of [women]_365-women came muffled through the fog , weeping and wailing for some lost lamb , choked by the water in its fold , or some pretty breadth of garden , just welcome to [their]_2374-they sight with snowdrops and with violets , that had been laid desolate and washed away . Through the clouds of vapour that curled in a dense opaque smoke from [the wet earth]_{2387-the wet earth} , there loomed the dusky shapes of oxen ; their belled horns sending forth a pleasant music from the gloom . On the air there was an odour from soaked grasses and upturned sods , from the breath of the herds lowing hock deep in water , from the green knots of broken primrose roots sailing by on [the brown rough river]_{2388-the brown rough river} . A dying bush of grey lavender swept by on [the stream]_{374-the stream} ; it had the fresh earth of [[its]_2390-its lost garden home]_{2391-its lost garden home} still about it ; and in its stems a robin had built [her]_2390-its little nest . The nest streamed in tatters and ruin on the wind , the robin flew above the wreck fluttering and uttering shrill notes of woe . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} saw nothing . [She]_2336-she held on [her]_2336-she way blindly , mutely , mechanically , by sheer force of long habit . [Her]_2336-she mind was in a trance : [she]_2336-she was insensible of pain or cold , of hunger or fever , of time or place . Yet [she]_2336-she went straight [home]_497-home , as the horse being blinded will do , to the place where its patience and fealty have never been recompensed with any other thing than blows . As [she]_2336-she had groped [her]_2336-she way through the gloom of the night , and found it , though the light of [the roadside Christ]_{2393-the roadside christ} had been turned from [her]_2336-she , so in the same blind manner [she]_2336-she had groped [her]_2336-she way to [her]_2336-she own conceptions of honesty and duty . [She]_2336-she hated [the bitter and cruel old man]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} , with [a slave]_{5533-a slave} ’s hatred , mute and enduring , that nothing could have changed ; but all the same [she]_2336-she served [him]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} faithfully . [She]_2336-she was an untamed animal indeed , that [he]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} had yoked to [his]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} ploughshare ; but [she]_2336-she did [her]_2336-she work loyally and doggedly ; and whenever [she]_2336-she had shaken [her]_2336-she neck free of the yoke , [she]_2336-she returned and thrust [her]_2336-she head through it again , whether [he]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} scourged [her]_2336-she back to it or not . It was partially from the force of habit which is strong upon all creatures ; it was partially from a vague instinct in [her]_2336-she to work out [her]_2336-she right to the begrudged shelter which [she]_2336-she received , and not to be beholden for it for one single hour to any charity . [The mill]_{281-the mill} was at work in the twilight when [she]_2336-she reached [it]_{281-the mill} . [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} screamed at [her]_2336-she from the open door of [the loft]_{1420-the loft} , where [he]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} was weighing corn for the grinding . “ [You]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} have been away all night long ! ”_{[2394-the bitter and cruel old man]} [She]_2336-she was silent ; standing below in [the wet garden]_{2398-the wet garden} . [He]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} cast a foul word at [her]_2336-she , new upon [his]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} lips . [She]_2336-she was silent all the same ; [her]_2336-she arms crossed on [her]_2336-she breast , [her]_2336-she head bent . “ Where is the boat?—that is worth more than [your]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} body . And soul [you]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} have none . ”_[2336-she] [She]_2336-she raised [her]_2336-she head and looked upward . “ [I]_2336-she have lost [the boat]_{1942-the boat} . ”_[2336-she] [She]_2336-she thought that , very likely , [he]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} would kill [her]_2336-she for it . Once when [she]_2336-she had lost an osier basket , not a hundredth part of the cost of [this vessel]_{2399-this vessel} , [he]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} had beaten [her]_2336-she till every bone in [her]_2336-she frame had seemed broken for many a week . But [she]_2336-she looked up quietly , standing there amongst the dripping bushes and the cheerless grassy ways . That [she]_2336-she never told a lie , [he]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} above in [the loft]_{1420-the loft} knew by long proof ; but this was in [his]_{2394-the bitter and cruel old man} sight only a piece with the strength born in [her]_2336-she from [the devil]_{4853-the devil} ; [the devil]_{4853-the devil} had in all ages told so many truths to the confusion of [the saints of [God]_118-god]_{937-the saints of god} . “ Drifted where ? ”_{[4853-the devil]} “ [I]_{4853-the devil} do not know — on the face of the flood,—with the tide . ”_{[4853-the devil]} “ [You]_{4853-the devil} had left it loose ? ”_{[4853-the devil]} “ [I]_{4853-the devil} got out to push it off the sand . [It]_{2399-this vessel} had grounded . [I]_{4853-the devil} forgot it . [It]_{2399-this vessel} went adrift . ”_{[4853-the devil]} “ What foul thing were [you]_{4853-the devil} at meanwhile ? ”_{[4853-the devil]} [She]_2336-she was silent . “ If [you]_{4853-the devil} do not say , [I]_2336-she will cut [your]_{4853-the devil} heart out with a hundred stripes ! ”_[2336-she] “ [You]_{4853-the devil} can . ”_{[4853-the devil]} “ [I]_{4853-the devil} can ! [you]_{4853-the devil} shall know truly that [I]_{4853-the devil} can ! Go , get [the boat]_{1942-the boat} — find it above or below water — or to [[the town]_{482-the town} prison [you]_{4853-the devil} go as [a thief]_{1383-a thief}]_{6050-the town prison you go as a thief} . ”_{[4853-the devil]} The word smote [her]_2336-she with a sudden pang . For the first time [her]_2336-she courage failed [her]_2336-she . [She]_2336-she turned and went in silence at [his]_2404-his bidding . In the wet daybreak , through the swollen pools and the soaked thickets , [she]_2336-she searched for [the missing vessel]_{2405-the missing vessel} ; knowing well that it would be scarcely less than a miracle which could restore it to [her]_2336-she ; and that [the god upon the cross]_{2406-the god upon the cross} worked no miracles for [her;—a child of sin]_{2407-her;—a child of sin} . For several hours [she]_2336-she searched ; hungry , drenched , ready to drop with exhaustion , as [she]_2336-she was used to see the overdriven cattle sink upon [the road]_{4855-the road} . [She]_2336-she passed many [peasants]_{2409-peasants} ; [women]_365-women on [their]_365-women mules , [men]_364-men in [[their]_364-men barges]_{2412-their barges} , [children searching for such flotsam and jetsam as the water]_{2413-children searching for such flotsam and jetsam as the water} might have flung upon [the land]_{4984-the land} from [the little flooded gardens]_{2415-the little flooded gardens} , and [the few riverside cabins]_{2416-the few riverside cabins} , which it had invaded in the night . [She]_2336-she asked tidings of [the boat]_{1942-the boat} from none of these . What [she]_2336-she could not do for [herself]_2336-she , it never occurred to [her]_2336-she that [others]_5531-others could do for [her]_2336-she . It was an ignorance that was strength . At length , to [her]_2336-she amaze , [she]_2336-she found it ; saved for [her]_2336-she by the branches of a young tree , which , being blown down , had fallen into [the stream]_{374-the stream} , and had caught [the boat]_{1942-the boat} hard and fast as in a net . At sore peril to [herself]_2336-she [she]_2336-she dislodged [it]_{1942-the boat} with infinite labour from the entanglement of the boughs , and at scarce less peril , rowed on [her]_2336-she homeward way upon the swollen force of [the turbid river]_{2421-the turbid river} ; full against the tide which again was flowing inland , from [the sea that beat the bar]_{2422-the sea that beat the bar} , away to the northward , in the full sunrise . It was far on in the forenoon , as [she]_2336-she drew near [the orchards of Yprès]_{2423-the orchards of yprès} , brown in their leaflessness , and with grey lichens blowing from [their]_{2423-the orchards of yprès} boughs , like hoary beards of trembling paupers shaking in the icy breaths of charity . [She]_2336-she saw that [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} was at work amidst [his]_{115-claudis flamma} trees , pruning and delving in the red and chilly day . [She]_2336-she went up [the winding stairs]_{2424-the winding stairs} , planks green and slippery with wet river reeds , which led straight through [the apple orchards]_{2425-the apple orchards} to [the mill]_{281-the mill} . “ [I]_2336-she have found [the boat]_{1942-the boat} , ”_[2336-she] [she]_2336-she said , standing before [him]_{115-claudis flamma} ; [her]_2336-she voice was faint and very tired , [her]_2336-she whole body drooped with fatigue , [her]_2336-she head for once was bowed . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} turned with [his]_{115-claudis flamma} billhook in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} hands . There was a leap of gladness at [his]_{115-claudis flamma} heart ; [the miser]_{5818-the miser} ’s gladness over recovered treasure ; but [he]_{115-claudis flamma} showed such welcome neither in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} eye nor words . “ It is well for [you]_2336-she that [you]_2336-she have , ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} [he]_{115-claudis flamma} said with bitter meaning . “ [I]_{115-claudis flamma} will spare [you]_2336-she half the stripes:—strip . ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} Without a word of remonstrance , standing before [him]_{115-claudis flamma} in the grey shadow of the lichens , and the red mists of the morning , [she]_2336-she pushed the rough garments from [her]_2336-she breast and shoulders , and vanquishing [her]_2336-she weakness , drew [herself]_2336-she erect to receive the familiar chastisement . “ [I]_2336-she am guilty — this time , ”_[2336-she] [she]_2336-she said to [herself]_2336-she as the lash fell:—she was thinking of [her]_2336-she theft . A SCORE of years before , in [a valley of the far north]_{2428-a valley of the far north} , [a group of eager and silent listeners]_{2429-a group of eager and silent listeners} stood gathered about [one man , who spoke aloud with fervent and rapturous oratory]_{2430-one man , who spoke aloud with fervent and rapturous oratory} . It was in the green Norwegian spring , when the silence of [the winter world]_{2431-the winter world} had given way to a million sounds of waking life from budding leaves and nesting birds , and melting torrents and warm winds , fanning the tender primrose into being , and wooing the red Alpine rose to blossom . [The little valley]_{2432-the little valley} was peopled by [a hardy race of [herdsmen]_{2434-herdsmen} and of [fishers]_2435-fishers]_{2433-a hardy race of herdsmen and of fishers} ; [men who kept [their]_{2436-men who kept their goat flocks on the steep sides of the mountains , or went down to the deep waters in search of a scanty subsistence} goat flocks on [the steep sides of [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains}]_{2437-the steep sides of the mountains} , or went down to the deep waters in search of a scanty subsistence]_{2436-men who kept their goat flocks on the steep sides of the mountains , or went down to the deep waters in search of a scanty subsistence} . But [they]_{2433-a hardy race of herdsmen and of fishers} were [a people simple , noble , grave , even in a manner heroic and poetic]_{2439-a people simple , noble , grave , even in a manner heroic and poetic} , [a people nurtured on the old grand songs of a mighty past , and holding a pure faith in the traditions of a great sea‐sovereignty]_{2440-a people nurtured on the old grand songs of a mighty past , and holding a pure faith in the traditions of a great sea‐sovereignty} . [They]_{2433-a hardy race of herdsmen and of fishers} listened , breathless , to [the man who addressed [them]_{2433-a hardy race of herdsmen and of fishers} , raised on [a tribune of rough rock]_{2442-a tribune of rough rock} , and facing [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} , where [it]_{416-the ocean} stretched at [the northern end of [the vale]_{2445-the vale}]_{2444-the northern end of the vale}]_{2441-the man who addressed them , raised on a tribune of rough rock , and facing the ocean , where it stretched at the northern end of the vale} ; [a man peasant‐born [himself]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} , but gifted with a native eloquence]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} ; half‐poet , [half‐preacher]_{2447-half‐preacher} ; [fanatic and enthusiast]_{2448-fanatic and enthusiast} ; [one who held it as [his]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} errand to go to and fro [the land]_{4984-the land} , raising [his]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} voice against the powers of [the world]_{268-the world} , and of wealth , and [who spoke against these with a fervour and force which , to the unlearned and impressionable multitudes that heard]_{2452-who spoke against these with a fervour and force which , to the unlearned and impressionable multitudes that heard} [him]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} , seemed the voice of [a genius heaven‐sent]_{2453-a genius heaven‐sent}]_{2449-one who held it as his errand to go to and fro the land , raising his voice against the powers of the world , and of wealth , and who spoke against these with a fervour and force which , to the unlearned and impressionable multitudes that heard him , seemed the voice of a genius heaven‐sent} . When [a boy]_{5154-a boy} [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} had been [a shepherd]_{5000-a shepherd} , and dreaming in the loneliness of [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains} , and by the side of [the deep hill‐lakes]_{2457-the deep hill‐lakes} far away from any sound or steps of human life , a madness , innocent , and in its way beautiful , had come upon [him]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} . [He]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} believed [himself]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} born to carry the message of grace to [the nations]_{2458-the nations} ; and to raise up [his]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} voice against those passions whose fury had never assailed [him]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} , and against those riches whose sweetness [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} had never tasted . So [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} had wandered from [city]_5621-city to [city]_5621-city , from [village]_2461-village to [village]_2461-village ; mocked in [some places]_{2463-some places} , revered in others ; protesting always against the dominion of wealth , and speaking with a strange pathos and poetry which thrilled the hearts of [[his]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} listeners]_{1453-his listeners} , and had in it , at times , almost the menace and the mystery of [a prophet]_{2465-a prophet} ’s upbraiding . [He]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} lived very poorly ; [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} was gentle as [a child]_{657-a child} ; [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} was a cripple and very feeble ; [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} drank at the wayside rills with the dogs ; [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} lay down on the open fields with the cattle ; yet [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} had a power in [him]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} that had its sway over [the people]_{4948-the people} , and held [the scoffers]_{2468-the scoffers} and [the jesters]_{2469-the jesters} quiet under the spell of [his]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} tender and flute‐like voice . Raised above the little throng upon the bare red rock , with the green fiords and the dim pine‐woods stretching round [him]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} as far as [his]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} eye could reach , [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} preached , now to the groups of [fishers]_2435-fishers and [herdsmen]_{2434-herdsmen} , and [foresters]_{2472-foresters} and [hunters]_2473-hunters ; protesting to [this simple people]_{2474-this simple people} against the force of wealth , and the lust of possession , as though [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} preached to [princes]_5167-princes and to [conquerors]_{2476-conquerors} . [He]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} told [them]_{4948-the people} of what [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} had seen in [the great cities through which [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} had wandered]_{2477-the great cities through which he had wandered} ; of the corruption and the vileness , and the wantonness ; of the greed in which the days and the years of [men]_364-men ’s lives were spent ; of the amassing of riches for which alone [the nations]_{2458-the nations} cared , so that all loveliness , all simplicity , all high endeavour , all innocent pastime , were abjured and derided amongst [them]_{4948-the people} . [His]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} voice was sweet and full as the swell of the music as [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} spoke to [them]_{4948-the people} , telling [them]_{4948-the people} one of the many fables and legends , of which [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} had gathered a full harvest , in [the may lands that had felt [his]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} footsteps]_{2480-the may lands that had felt his footsteps} . This was the parable [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} set before [them]_{4948-the people} that day , whilst [the rude toilers of [the forests]_{2482-the forests}]_{2481-the rude toilers of the forests} and [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} stood quiet as [little children , hearkening with upturned faces and bated breath]_{2484-little children , hearkening with upturned faces and bated breath} , as the sun went down behind the purple pines . “ There lived once in [the east]_{5641-the east} , [a great king]_{6054-a great king} ; [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} dwelt far away , amongst [the fragrant fields of roses]_{6055-the fragrant fields of roses} , and in the light of suns that never set . “_{[2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence]} [He]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} was young , [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} was beloved , [he]_{2446-a man peasant‐born himself , but gifted with a native eloquence} was fair of face and form ; and [the people]_{4948-the people} as [they]_{4948-the people} hewed stone , or brought water , said amongst [themselves]_{4948-the people} , ‘ Verily , [this man]_{1234-this man} is as [a god]_{942-a god} ; [he]_{1234-this man} goes where [he]_{1234-this man} lists , and [he]_{1234-this man} lies still or rises up as [he]_{1234-this man} pleases ; and all fruits of [all lands]_{2488-all lands} are culled for [him]_{1234-this man} ; and [his]_{1234-this man} nights are nights of gladness , and [his]_{1234-this man} days , when they dawn , are all [his]_{1234-this man} to sleep through or spend as [he]_{1234-this man} wills . ’ But [the people]_{4948-the people} were wrong . For [this king]_{2490-this king} was weary of [his]_{2490-this king} life . “ [[His]_{2490-this king} buckler]_{6056-his buckler} was sown with gems , but [his]_{2490-this king} heart beneath it was sore . For [he]_{2490-this king} had been long bitterly harassed by foes who descended on [him]_{2490-this king} as wolves from [the hills]_{931-the hills} in [their]_6058-their hunger , and [he]_{2490-this king} ha been long plauged with heavy wars and with bad rice harvests , and with many troubles to [[his]_{2490-this king} nation]_{6059-his nation} that kept [it]_{6059-his nation} very poor , and forbade [him]_{2490-this king} to finish the building of [new marble palaces]_{6060-new marble palaces} , and the making of [fresh gardens of delight]_{6061-fresh gardens of delight} , on which [his]_{2490-this king} heart was set . So [he]_{2490-this king} , being weary of [a barren land]_{6062-a barren land} and of an empty treasury , with all [his]_{2490-this king} might prayed to [the gods]_{1366-the gods} that all [he]_{2490-this king} touched might turn to gold , even as [he]_{2490-this king} had heard had happened to [some magician long before in other ages]_{6064-some magician long before in other ages} . And [the gods]_{1366-the gods} gave [him]_{2490-this king} the thing [he]_{2490-this king} craved ; and [his]_{2490-this king} treasury overflowed . [No king]_{6066-no king} had ever been so rich , as [this king]_{2490-this king} now became in the short space of a single summer‐day . “_{[2490-this king]} But it was bought with a price . “ When [he]_{2490-this king} stretched out [his]_{2490-this king} hand to gather the rose that blossomed in [his]_{2490-this king} path , a golden flower scentless and stiff was all [he]_{2490-this king} grasped . When [he]_{2490-this king} called to [him]_{2490-this king} the carrier‐dove that sped with a scroll of love words across [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains} , the bird sank on [his]_{2490-this king} breast a carven piece of metal . When [he]_{2490-this king} was athirst and shouted to [[his]_{2490-this king} cup bearer]_{6069-his cup bearer} for drink , the red wine ran a stream of molten gold . When [he]_{2490-this king} would fain have eaten , the pulse and pomegranate grew alike to gold between [his]_{2490-this king} teeth . And lo ! at eventide , when [he]_{2490-this king} sought [the silent chambers of [[his]_{2490-this king} harem]_{6071-his harem}]_{6070-the silent chambers of his harem} , saying , ‘ here at least shall [I]_{4948-the people} find rest , ’ and bent [his]_{2490-this king} steps to the couch whereon [[his]_{2490-this king} best beloved slave]_{6072-his best beloved slave} was sleeping , a statue of gold was all [he]_{2490-this king} drew into [his]_{2490-this king} eager arms , and cold shut lips of sculptured gold were all that met [his]_{2490-this king} own . “_{[4948-the people]} That night [the great king]_{2491-the great king} slew [himself]_{2491-the great king} , unable any more to bear this agony ; since all around [him]_{2491-the great king} was desolation , even though all around [him]_{2491-the great king} was wealth . “ Now [the world]_{268-the world} is too like [that king]_{6074-that king} , and in its greed of gold it will barter [its]_{268-the world} life away . “_[0-her] Look you,—this thing is certain — [I]_0-her say that [the world]_{268-the world} will perish , even as [that king]_{6074-that king} perished , slain as [he]_{6074-that king} was slain , by the curse of [its]_{268-the world} own fulfilled desire . “ The future of [the world]_{268-the world} is written . For [God]_118-god has granted [their]_6076-their prayer to [men]_364-men . [He]_{6074-that king} has made [them]_6076-their rich and [their]_6076-their riches shall kill [them]_6076-their . “_[0-her] When [all green places]_{2494-all green places} have been destroyed in [the builder]_{2495-the builder} ’s lust of gain:—when [all the lands]_{2496-all the lands} are but [mountains of brick]_{2497-mountains of brick} , and piles of wood and iron:—when there is no moisture anywhere ; and no rain ever falls:—when the sky is a vault of smoke ; and all [the rivers]_{5615-the rivers} reek with poison:—when [forest and stream]_{2499-forest and stream} , and [moor and meadow]_{2500-moor and meadow} , and all the old green wayside beauty are things vanished and forgotten:—when [every gentle timid thing of brake and bush , of air and water]_{2501-every gentle timid thing of brake and bush , of air and water} , has been killed , because it robbed [them]_2502-them of a berry or a fruit:—when [the earth]_{288-the earth} is [one vast city , [whose young children]_{2505-whose young children} behold neither the green of the field nor the blue of the sky]_{2504-one vast city , whose young children behold neither the green of the field nor the blue of the sky} ; and hear no song but the hiss of [the stream]_{374-the stream} , and know no music but the roar of the furnace:—when the old sweet silence of [the country‐side]_{2507-the country‐side} , and the old sweet sounds of waking birds , and the old sweet fall of summer showers , and the grace of a hedge‐row bough , and the glow of the purple heather , and the note of the cuckoo and cushat , and the freedom of waste and of woodland , are all things dead , and remembered of [no man:—then]_{2508-no man:—then} [the world]_{268-the world} , like [the Eastern king]_{2510-the eastern king} , will perish miserably of famine and of drought , with gold in its stiffened hands , and gold in its withered lips , and gold everywhere:—gold that [the people]_{4948-the people} can neither eat nor drink , gold that cares nothing for [them]_{4948-the people} , but mocks [them]_{4948-the people} horribly:—gold for which [[their]_{4948-the people} fathers]_{2512-their fathers} sold peace and health , and holiness and liberty:—gold that is one vast grave . ” [His]_{6074-that king} voice sank , and the silence that followed was only filled with the sound of the winds in the pine‐woods , and the sound of [the sea]_{405-the sea} on [the shore]_{2087-the shore} . [The people]_{4948-the people} were very still and afraid ; for it seemed to [them]_{4948-the people} that [he]_{6074-that king} had spoken as [prophets]_{6081-prophets} speak , and that [his]_{6074-that king} words were words of truth . Suddenly on the awe‐stricken silence an answering voice rang , clear , scornful , bold , and with the eager and fearless defiance of youth . “_{[6074-that king]} If [I]_0-her had been [that king]_{6074-that king} , [I]_0-her would not have cared for [woman]_339-woman , or bird , or rose . [I]_0-her would have lived long enough to enrich [[my]_0-her nation]_{2515-my nation} , and mass [[my]_0-her armies]_{2516-my armies} , and die [a conqueror]_{2517-a conqueror} . What would the rest have mattered ? [You]_2518-you are mad , [O Preacher]_{171-o preacher} ! to rail against gold . [You]_2518-you flout [a god that [you]_2518-you know not]_{2519-a god that you know not} , and that never has smiled upon [you]_2518-you . ” [The speaker]_{789-the speaker} stood outside [the crowd]_{6083-the crowd} with a dead sea‐bird in [his]_{789-the speaker} hand ; [he]_{789-the speaker} was in [his]_{789-the speaker} early boyhood , [he]_{789-the speaker} had long locks of bright hair that curled loosely on [his]_{789-the speaker} shoulders , and eyes of northern blue , that flashed like steel in [their]_{6083-the crowd} scorn . [The people]_{4948-the people} , indignant and terrified at the cold rough words which blasphemed [[their]_{4948-the people} prophet]_{6085-their prophet} , turned with one accord to draw off [the rash doubter]_{6086-the rash doubter} from [that sacred audience place]_{6087-that sacred audience place} , but [the Preacher]_{6088-the preacher} stayed [their]_{4948-the people} hands with a gesture , and looked sadly at [the boy]_{4995-the boy} . “_[2520-thou] Is it [thee]_2520-thou , [Arslàn]_172-arslàn — dost [thou]_2520-thou praise gold?—I thought [thou]_2520-thou hadst [greater gods]_{2521-greater gods} . ” [The boy]_{4995-the boy} hung [his]_{4995-the boy} head and [his]_{4995-the boy} face flushed . “_[2520-thou] Gold must be power always , ” [he]_{4995-the boy} muttered . “_[2520-thou] And without power what is life ? ” And [he]_2522-he went on [his]_2522-he way out from [the people]_{4948-the people} with [his]_2522-he dead bird , which [he]_2522-he had slain with a stone that [he]_2522-he might study the exquisite mystery of its silvery hues . [The Preacher]_{6088-the preacher} followed [him]_2522-he dreamily with [his]_{6088-the preacher} glance . “_[2520-thou] Yet [he]_2522-he will not give [his]_2522-he life for gold , ” [he]_{6088-the preacher} murmured . “_[2522-he] For there is that in [him]_2522-he greater than gold , which will not let [him]_2522-he sell it , if [he]_2522-he would . ” AND the words of [the Preacher]_{6088-the preacher} had come true ; so true that [the boy Arslàn]_{6094-the boy arslàn} , grown to manhood , had dreamed of fame , followed the genius in [him]_2522-he , and having failed to force [the world]_{268-the world} to show faith in [him]_2522-he , had dropped down dying on a cold hearth , for sheer lack of bread , under the eyes of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} . It had long been day when [he]_2522-he awoke . The wood smouldered , still warming the stone chamber . The owls that nested in the ceiling of [the hall]_{6097-the hall} were beating their wings impatiently against the closed casements , blind with the light and unable to return to [their]_6098-their haunts and [homes]_6099-homes . The food and the wine stood beside [him]_2522-he on the floor ; the fire had scared the rats from theft . [He]_2522-he raised [himself]_2522-he slowly , and by sheer instinct ate and drank with the avidity of long fast . Then [he]_2522-he stared around [him]_2522-he blankly , blinded like the owls . It seemed to [him]_2522-he that [he]_2522-he had been dead ; and had risen from the grave . “_[2522-he] It will be to suffer it all over again in a little space , ” [he]_2522-he muttered dully . [His]_2522-he first sensation was disappointment , anger , weariness . [He]_2522-he did not reason . [He]_2522-he only felt . [His]_2522-he mind was a blank . Little by little a disjointed remembrance came to [him]_2522-he . [He]_2522-he remembered that [he]_2522-he had been famished in the coldness of the night , had endured much torment of the body , had fallen headlong and lost [his]_2522-he consciousness . This was all [he]_2522-he could recall . [He]_2522-he looked stupidly for awhile at the burning logs ; at the pile of brambles ; at the flask of wine , and the simple stores of food . [He]_2522-he looked at the grey closed window , through which a silvery daylight came . There was not a sound in [the house]_{323-the house} ; there was only the cracking of the wood and the sharp sealike smell of the smoking pine boughs , to render [the place]_{342-the place} different from what it had been when [he]_2522-he last had seen [it]_{342-the place} . [He]_2522-he could recall nothing , except that [he]_2522-he had starved for many days ; had suffered , and must have slept . Suddenly [his]_2522-he face burned with a flush of shame . As sense returned to [him]_2522-he , [he]_2522-he knew that [he]_2522-he must have swooned from weakness produced by cold and hunger ; that [some one]_{1435-some one} must have seen and succoured [his]_2522-he necessity ; and that the food which [he]_2522-he had half unconsciously devoured must have been the food of alms . [His]_2522-he limbs writhed and [his]_2522-he teeth clenched as the thought stole on [him]_2522-he . To have gone through all the aching pangs of winter in silence , asking aid of [none]_498-none , only to come to this at last ! To have been ready to die in all the vigour of virility , in all the strength of genius , only to be saved by charity at the end ! To have endured , mute and patient , the travail of all the barren years , only at [their]_6104-their close to be called back to life by aid that was degradation ! [He]_2522-he bit [his]_2522-he lips till the blood started , as [he]_2522-he thought of it . [Some eyes]_{6105-some eyes} must have looked on [him]_2522-he , in [his]_2522-he wretchedness . Some face must have bent over [him]_2522-he in misery . [Some other human form]_{6106-some other human form} must have been near [his]_2522-he in this hour of [his]_2522-he feebleness and need , or this thing could never have been . [He]_2522-he would have died alone and unremembered of [man]_4882-man , like a snake in its swamp or a fox in its earth . And such a death would have been to [him]_2522-he tenfold preferable to a life restored to [him]_2522-he by such means as these . Death before accomplishments is a failure , yet withal may be great ; but life saved by alms is a failure , and a failure for ever inglorious . So the shame of this ransom for death far outweighed with [him]_2522-he the benefit . “_[2523-they] Why could [they]_2523-they not let [me]_0-her be ? ” [he]_2522-he cried in [his]_2522-he soul against those unknown lives which had weighed [his]_2522-he own with the fetters of obligation . “_[2523-they] Rather death than a debt ! [I]_0-her was content to die ; the bitterness was passed . [I]_0-her should have known no more . Why could [they]_2523-they not let [me]_0-her be ! ” And [his]_2522-he heart was hard against [them]_2523-they . [They]_2523-they had stolen [his]_2522-he only birthright — freedom . Had [he]_2522-he craved life so much as to desire to live by shame [he]_2522-he would sooner have gone out into the dusky night and have snatched food enough for [his]_2522-he wants from [[some rich husbandman]_{6108-some rich husbandman} ’s granaries]_{6109-some rich husbandman ’s granaries} , or have stabbed [some miser]_{6110-some miser} at prayers , for a bag of gold:—rather crime than the debt of [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} . So [he]_2522-he reasoned ; stung and made savage by the scourge of enforced humiliation . Hating [himself]_2522-he because , in obedience to mere animal craving , [he]_2522-he had taken and eaten , not asking whether what [he]_2522-he took was [his]_2522-he own . [He]_2522-he had closed [his]_2522-he mouth , living , and had been ready to die mute , glad only that [none]_498-none had pitied [him]_2522-he ; [his]_2522-he heart hardened itself utterly against this unknown hand which had snatched [him]_2522-he from death ’s dreamless ease and ungrudged rest , to awaken [him]_2522-he to a humiliation that would be as ashes in [his]_2522-he teeth so long as [his]_2522-he life should last . [He]_2522-he arose slowly , and staggered to the casement . [He]_2522-he fancied [he]_2522-he was delirious , and had distempered visions of the food so long desired . [He]_2522-he knew that [he]_2522-he had been starving long — how long ? Long enough for [his]_2522-he brain to be weak and visited with phantoms . Instinctively [he]_2522-he touched the long round rolls of bread , the shape of the wine flask , the wicker of the basket : they were the palpable things of common life ; [they]_6113-they seemed to tell [him]_2522-he that [he]_2522-he had not dreamed . Then it was charity ? [His]_2522-he lips moved with a curse . That was [his]_2522-he only thanksgiving . The windows were unshuttered ; through them [he]_2522-he looked straight out upon the rising day — a day rainless and pale , and full of cool softness , after the deluge of the rains . The faint sunlight of a spring that was still chilled by winter was shed over [the flooded fields]_{6114-the flooded fields} and [swollen streams]_{6115-swollen streams} ; snow‐white mists floated before the languid passage of the wind ; and [the moist land]_{6116-the moist land} gave back , as in a mirror , the leafless trees , [the wooden bridges]_{5352-the wooden bridges} , the belfries and the steeples , and the strange sad bleeding Christs . On all sides near , [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} were sheets of water , [the woods]_{344-the woods} seemed to drift upon [a lake]_{6120-a lake} ; a swan ’s nest was washed past on broken rushes , the great silvery birds beating their heavy wings upon the air , and pursuing [[their]_6121-their ruined home]_{6122-their ruined home} with cries . Beyond , everything was veiled in the twilight of the damp grey vapour ; a world half seen , half shrouded , lovely exceedingly , filled with all divine possibilities and all hidden powers : [a world such as [Youth]_173-youth beholds with longing eyes in [its]_173-youth visions of the future]_{6123-a world such as youth beholds with longing eyes in its visions of the future} . “_[2523-they] [A beautiful world]_{2524-a beautiful world} ! ” [he]_2522-he said to [himself]_2522-he ; and [he]_2522-he smiled wearily as [he]_2522-he said it . Beautiful , certainly ; in that delicious shadow ; in that vague light : in that cloud‐like mist , wherein [the earth]_{288-the earth} met heaven . Beautiful , certainly ; all those mystical shapes rising from the sea of moisture which hid [the earth]_{288-the earth} and all the things that toiled on it . It was beautiful , [this calm , dim , morning world]_{6126-this calm , dim , morning world} , in which there was no sound except the distant ringing of unseen bells ; this veil of vapour , whence sprang these fairy and fantastic shapes that cleft the watery air ; [the land]_{4984-the land} to the sky , in which all homely things took grace and mystery , and every common and familiar form became transfigured . It was beautiful ; but [this landscape]_{6128-this landscape} had been seen too long and closely by [him]_2522-he for it to have power left to cheat [his]_2522-he senses . Under that pure and mystical veil of the refracted rain things vile , and things full of anguish , had [their]_6129-their being:—cattle in [the slaughter‐houses]_{6130-the slaughter‐houses} ; [the drunkards in the hovels]_{6131-the drunkards in the hovels} ; disease and debauch and famine ; [the ditch]_{2313-the ditch} , that was [the common grave of [all the poor]_{2205-all the poor}]_{6133-the common grave of all the poor} ; [the hospital]_{6004-the hospital} , where pincers and knives tore the living nerves in the inquisition of science ; [the fields]_{316-the fields} , where [the women toiled bent , cramped , and hideous]_{6137-the women toiled bent , cramped , and hideous} ; [the dumb driven beasts , patient and tortured]_{6138-the dumb driven beasts , patient and tortured} , for ever blameless , yet for ever accursed:—all these were there beneath that lovely veil , through [which there came so dreamily the slender shafts of spires and the chimes of half heard bells]_{6139-which there came so dreamily the slender shafts of spires and the chimes of half heard bells} . [He]_2522-he stood and watched it long , so long that the clouds descended and the vapours shifted away , and the pale sun‐rays shone clearly over [a disenchanted world]_{6140-a disenchanted world} , where roof joined roof and casement answered casement , and the figures on the crosses became [but rude and ill‐carved daubs]_{6141-but rude and ill‐carved daubs} ; and the cocks crew to one another , and [the herdsmen]_{6142-the herdsmen} swore at [their]_{6142-the herdsmen} flocks , and [the oxen]_{6143-the oxen} flinched at the goad , and [the women]_{472-the women} went forth to [their]_{472-the women} field work ; and all the charm was gone . Then [he]_2522-he turned away . The cold fresh breath of the morning had breathed upon [him]_2522-he , and driven out the dull , delicious fancies that had possessed [his]_2522-he brain . The simple truth was plain before [him]_2522-he : that [he]_2522-he had been seen by some stranger in [his]_2522-he necessity and succoured . [He]_2522-he was thankless ; like the sick , to whom unwelcome aid denies the refuge of the grave , calling [him]_2522-he back to suffer , and binding on [his]_2522-he shoulders the discarded burden of life ’s infinite weariness and woes . [He]_2522-he was thankless ; for [he]_2522-he had grown tired of this fruitless labour , this abortive combat ; [he]_2522-he had grown tired of seeking credence and being derided for [his]_2522-he pains , while [other men]_{1870-other men} prostituted [their]_{1870-other men} powers to base use and public gain , receiving as [their]_{1870-other men} wages honour and applause ; [he]_2522-he had grown tired of toiling to give beauty and divinity to [a world which knew [them]_{1870-other men} not when it beheld [them]_{1870-other men}]_{6146-a world which knew them not when it beheld them} . [He]_2522-he had grown tired , though [he]_2522-he was yet young , and had strength , and had passion , and had manhood . Tired — utterly , because [he]_2522-he was destitute of all things save [his]_2522-he genius , and in that none were found to believe . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her have tried all things , and there is nothing of any worth . ” It does not need to have worn the imperial purples and to be lying dying in old age to know thus much in all truth and all bitterness . “_[2525-them] Why did [they]_2525-them give [me]_0-her back [my]_0-her life ? ” [he]_2522-he said in [his]_2522-he heart , as [he]_2522-he turned aside from the risen sun . [He]_2522-he had striven to do justly with this strange , fleeting , unasked gift of existence , which comes , already warped , into [our]_6147-our hands , and is broken by death ere [we]_6147-our can set it straight . [He]_2522-he had not spent it in riot or madness , in lewd love or in gambling greed ; [he]_2522-he had been governed by great desires , though these had been fruitless , and had spent [his]_2522-he strength to a great end , though this had been never reached . As [he]_2522-he turned from looking out upon the swollen stream that rushed beneath [his]_2522-he windows , [his]_2522-he eyes fell upon the opposite wall , where the white shapes of [his]_2522-he cartoons were caught by the awakening sun . The spider had drawn [his]_2522-he dusty trail across [them]_2525-them ; the rat had squatted at [their]_2525-them feet ; the darkness of night had enshrouded and defaced [them]_2525-them ; yet with the morning [they]_2525-them arose , stainless , noble , undefiled . Amongst [them]_2525-them there was one colossal form , on which the sun poured with its full radiance . This was the form of [a captive grinding at a mill‐stone]_{6148-a captive grinding at a mill‐stone} ; the majestic symmetrical supple form of [a man who was also [a god]_{942-a god}]_{6149-a man who was also a god} . In [his]_2522-he naked limbs there was a supreme power ; in [his]_2522-he glance there was a divine command ; [his]_2522-he head was lifted as though no yoke could ever lie on that proud neck ; [his]_2522-he foot seemed to spurn the earth as though no mortal tie had ever bound [him]_2522-he to the sod that human steps bestrode : yet at [the corn‐mill]_{6151-the corn‐mill} [he]_2522-he laboured , grinding wheat like the patient blinded oxen that toiled beside [him]_2522-he . For it was the great Apollo in [Pheræ]_41-pheræ . [The hand which awoke the music of the spheres]_{6152-the hand which awoke the music of the spheres} had been blood‐stained with murder ; the beauty which had the light and lustre of the sun had been darkened with passion and with crime ; the will which no other on [earth]_5276-earth or in heaven could withstand had been bent under the chastisement of [Zeus]_174-zeus . [He]_2522-he whose glance had made [the black and barren slopes of [Delos]_44-delos]_{6154-the black and barren slopes of delos} [to laugh with fruitfulness and gladness,—he whose prophetic sight beheld all things past , present , and to come , the fate of all unborn races , the doom of all unspent ages,—he]_{6155-to laugh with fruitfulness and gladness,—he whose prophetic sight beheld all things past , present , and to come , the fate of all unborn races , the doom of all unspent ages,—he} , [the Far‐Striking King]_{6156-the far‐striking king} , laboured [here beneath the curse of crime]_{6157-here beneath the curse of crime} , greatest of all [the gods]_{1366-the gods} , and yet [a slave]_{5533-a slave} . In all the hills and vales of [Greece]_45-greece [his]_2522-he Io pæan sounded still . Upon [[his]_2522-he holy mountains]_{6160-his holy mountains} there still arose the smoke of fires of sacrifice . With dance and song [the Delian maidens]_{6161-the delian maidens} still hailed the divinity of [[Lêtô]_175-lêtô ’s son]_{6162-lêtô ’s son} . The wave of the pure Ionian air still rang for ever with the name of [Delphinios]_{176-delphinios} . At [Pytho]_177-pytho and at [Clarus]_46-clarus , in [Lycia]_47-lycia and in [Phokis]_48-phokis , [[his]_2522-he oracles]_{6163-his oracles} still breathed forth upon [their]_{6163-his oracles} fiat terror or hope into the lives of [men]_364-men ; and still in [all the virgin forests of [the world]_{268-the world}]_{6165-all the virgin forests of the world} the wild beasts honoured [him]_2522-he wheresoever [they]_{6165-all the virgin forests of the world} wandered , and the lion and the boar came at [his]_2522-he bidding from [the deserts]_{6167-the deserts} to bend [their]_{6165-all the virgin forests of the world} free necks and [their]_{6165-all the virgin forests of the world} wills of fire meekly to bear [his]_2522-he yoke in [Thessaly]_49-thessaly . Yet [he]_2522-he laboured here at [the corn‐mill of [Admetus]_50-admetus]_{6168-the corn‐mill of admetus} ; and watching [him]_2522-he at [his]_2522-he bondage there stood [the slender , slight , wing‐footed Hermes]_{6169-the slender , slight , wing‐footed hermes} , with a slow , mocking smile upon [his]_2522-he knavish lips , and a jeering scorn in [his]_2522-he keen eyes , even as though [he]_2522-he cried : “_[2525-them] O , [brother]_2526-brother , who would be greater than [I]_0-her ! For what hast [thou]_2527-thy bartered to [me]_0-her the golden rod of [thy]_2527-thy wealth and [thy]_2527-thy dominion over the flocks and the herds ? For seven chords strung on a shell — for a melody not even thine own ! For a lyre outshone by [my]_0-her syrinx hast [thou]_2527-thy sold all thine empire to [me]_0-her . Will [human ears]_{2528-human ears} give heed to [thy]_2527-thy song now [thy]_2527-thy sceptre has passed to [my]_0-her hands ? Immortal music only is left [thee]_2527-thy , and the vision foreseeing the future . [O god]_{2529-o god} ! [O hero]_{2530-o hero} ! [O fool]_{2531-o fool} ! what shall these profit [thee]_2527-thy now ? ” Thus to [the artist by whom [they]_6171-they had been begotten the dim white shapes of [the deities]_{6172-the deities}]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} spoke . Thus [he]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} saw [them]_6171-they , thus [he]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} heard , whilst the pale and watery sunlight lit up the form of [the toiler in Pheræ]_{6173-the toiler in pheræ} . For even as it was with the divinity of [Delos]_44-delos , so is it likewise with the genius of [a man , which , being born of a god]_{6174-a man , which , being born of a god} , yet is bound as [a slave to the grindstone]_{6175-a slave to the grindstone} . Since even as [Hermes]_164-hermes mocked [the Lord of the Unerring Bow]_{6176-the lord of the unerring bow} , so is genius mocked of [the world]_{268-the world} , when it has bartered the herds and the grain , and the rod that metes wealth , for the seven chords that no ear , dully mortal , can hear . And as [he]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} looked upon this symbol of [his]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} life , the captivity and the calamity , the strength and the slavery of [his]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} existence overcame [him]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} ; and for the first hour since [he]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} had been born of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} [Arslàn]_172-arslàn buried [his]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} face in [his]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} hands and wept . [He]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} could bend great thoughts to take the shapes that [he]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} chose , as [the chained god in [Pheræ]_41-pheræ]_{6179-the chained god in pheræ} bound [the strong kings of [the desert]_{2040-the desert}]_{6180-the strong kings of the desert} and [the forest]_{357-the forest} to carry [his]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} yoke ; yet , like [the god]_{6183-the god} , [he]_{6170-the artist by whom they had been begotten the dim white shapes of the deities} likewise stood fettered to the mill to grind for bread . [A VALLEY]_{6184-a valley} long and narrow , shut out from the rest of [the living world]_{6185-the living world} by the ramparts of stone that rose on either side to touch the clouds ; dense forests of pines , purple as night , where the erl‐king rode and the bear‐king reigned ; at one end [mountains]_{6186-mountains} , mist , and gloom , at the other end [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} ; brief days with the sun shed on [a world of snow]_{6188-a world of snow} , in which the sounds of the winds and the moans of the wolves alone were heard in the solitude ; long nights of marvelous magnificence with the stars of [the arctic zone]_{6189-the arctic zone} glowing with an unbearable lustre above [a sea of phosphorescent fire]_{6190-a sea of phosphorescent fire} ; those were [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s earliest memories — those had made [him]_172-arslàn what [he]_172-arslàn was . In [that pine‐clothed Norwegian valley]_{6191-that pine‐clothed norwegian valley} , opening to [the sea]_{405-the sea} , there were [a few homesteads]_{6193-a few homesteads} gathered together round [a little wooden church]_{6194-a little wooden church} , with great torrents falling above [them]_{6193-a few homesteads} , and a profound loneliness around ; severed by more than a day ’s journey from any other of the habitations of [men]_364-men . There a simple idyllic life rolled slowly on through the late and lovely spring times , when the waters loosened and the seed sprouted , and the white blossoms broke above the black ground : through the short and glorious summers , when [the children]_{452-the children} ’s eyes saw [the elves]_{6197-the elves} kiss the roses , and the fairies float on the sunbeam , and [the maidens]_{5036-the maidens} braided [their]_{5036-the maidens} fair hair with blue cornflowers to dance on the eve of [St. John]_{179-st. john} : through the long and silent winters , when an almost continual night brooded over all things , and the thunder of [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} alone answered the war of [the wind‐torn forests]_{6200-the wind‐torn forests} , and the blood‐red blaze of the northern light gleamed over [a white still mountain world]_{6201-a white still mountain world} , and within doors , by the warm wood fire , [the youths]_{512-the youths} sang Scandinavian ballads , and [the old people]_{5731-the old people} told strange Sagas , and [the mothers]_{1026-the mothers} , rocking [[their]_{1026-the mothers} new‐born sons]_{6205-their new‐born sons} to sleep , prayed [God]_118-god for mercy to have on all human lives drowning at [sea]_6206-sea and frozen in the snow . In [this Alpine valley]_{6207-this alpine valley} , hidden amidst stupendous walls of stone , bottomless precipices , and summits that touched the clouds , there was [a cottage]_{1278-a cottage} even smaller and humbler than most , and closest of all to [the church]_{331-the church} . It was [the house of [the pastor]_{6211-the pastor}]_{6210-the house of the pastor} . [The old man]_{335-the old man} had been born [there]_439-there , and had lived [there]_439-there all the years of [his]_{335-the old man} life save a few that [he]_{335-the old man} had passed in [a town]_{6215-a town} as [a student]_{6216-a student} ; and [he]_{335-the old man} had wedded [a neighbour who , like [himself]_{335-the old man} , had known [no other home than [this one village]_{6219-this one village}]_{6218-no other home than this one village}]_{6217-a neighbour who , like himself , had known no other home than this one village} . [He]_{335-the old man} was gentle , patient , simple , and full of tenderness ; [he]_{335-the old man} worked like [[his]_{335-the old man} people]_{492-his people} all the week through , in the open weather , amongst [his]_{335-the old man} fruit‐trees , [his]_{335-the old man} little breadth of pasturage , [his]_{335-the old man} herb‐garden , and [his]_{335-the old man} few sheep . On the seventh day [he]_{335-the old man} preached to [the people]_{4948-the people} the creed that [he]_{335-the old man} [himself]_{335-the old man} believed in with all the fond , unquestioning , implicit faith of [the young children who lifted to [him]_{335-the old man} [their]_{6222-the young children who lifted to him their round wandering eyes} round wandering eyes]_{6222-the young children who lifted to him their round wandering eyes} . [He]_{335-the old man} was good ; [he]_{335-the old man} was old : in [his]_{335-the old man} simple needs and [his]_{335-the old man} undoubting hopes [he]_{335-the old man} has happy ; all the living things of [[his]_{335-the old man} little world]_{6223-his little world} loved [him]_{335-the old man} , and [he]_{335-the old man} loved [them]_{4948-the people} . And fate lit on [him]_{335-the old man} to torture [him]_{335-the old man} , as it is its pleasure to torture [the innocent]_{6224-the innocent} . It sent [him]_{335-the old man} [a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} ; a form lithe and white , with hair of gold , and eyes like [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} own planets . [She]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} had never seen any other spot save [[her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} own valley]_{6226-her own valley} ; but [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} had the old Berserker blood in [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} veins , and [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} was restless ; [the sea]_{405-the sea} tempted [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} with an intense power ; [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} desired passionately , without knowing what [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} desired . The simple pastoral work , the peaceful household labours , [the girls]_{445-the girls} ’ garland of alpine flowers , [the youths]_{512-the youths} ’ singing in the brief rose twilight , the saga told the thousandth time around the lamp in the deep mid‐winter silence ; these things would not suffice for [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} . The old Scandinavian madness was [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} veins . And one day [the sea]_{405-the sea} tempted [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} too utterly ; beyond [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} strength,—as [a lover]_{6231-a lover} , after a thousand entreaties , one day tempts [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , and one day finds [her]_{4876-a woman} weak . [The sea]_{405-the sea} vanquished [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} , and [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} went — whither ? [They]_6234-they hardly knew : to [these old people]_{6235-these old people} the world that lay behind [[their]_{6235-these old people} mountain fortress]_{6236-their mountain fortress} was a blank . It might be [a paradise]_{6237-a paradise} ; it might be a prison . [They]_6234-they could not tell . [They]_6234-they suffered [their]_6234-they sorrow meekly ; [they]_6234-they never cursed [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} ; [they]_6234-they did not even curse [their]_6234-they fate because [they]_6234-they had given life to [a woman child]_{1215-a woman child} . After awhile [they]_6234-they heard of [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} . [She]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} wrote [them]_6234-they tender and glowing words ; [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} was well , [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} was proud , [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} was glad , [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} had found [those who told [her]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} that [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} had a voice which was as a gift of gold , and that [she]_{6225-a daughter who was fair to sight , and had a voice like music} might sing in triumph to [the nations]_{2458-the nations}]_{6239-those who told her that she had a voice which was as a gift of gold , and that she might sing in triumph to the nations} . Such tidings came from time to time ; brief welcome words , first teeming with hope , then delirious with triumph , yet ever ending with a short sad sigh of conscience , a prayer for pardon — pardon for what ? The letters never said : perhaps only for the sin of desertion . The slow salt tears of age fell on these glowing pages in which the heart of [a young , vain‐glorious , tender creature]_{6241-a young , vain‐glorious , tender creature} stamped itself ; but [the old people]_{5731-the old people} never spoke of them to [others]_5531-others . “_[2532-she] [She]_2532-she is happy , it does not matter for [us]_2533-us . ” This was all [they]_6234-they said , yet this gentle patience was a martyrdom too sharp to last ; when that year closed [the mother]_{5066-the mother} was in [her]_{5066-the mother} grave , and [the old man]_{335-the old man} left alone . The long silent winter came , locking [the valley]_{6246-the valley} within [[its]_{6246-the valley} fortress of ice]_{6247-its fortress of ice} , severing [it]_{6246-the valley} from [all the rest of [the breathing human world]_{6249-the breathing human world}]_{6248-all the rest of the breathing human world} ; and the letters ceased . [He]_{335-the old man} would not let [them]_6234-they say that [she]_2532-she had forgotten ; [he]_{335-the old man} chose to think that the severance was due to the wall of snow which was built up between [them]_6234-they rather than to any division of [her]_2532-she ingratitude and oblivion . The sweet sudden Norwegian spring came , all the white and golden flowers breaking up from the hard crust of the soil , and all the loosened waters rushing with a shout of liberty to join [the sea]_{405-the sea} . The summer followed with the red mountain roses blossoming by [the brooks]_{6251-the brooks} , and the green mountain grasses blowing in the wind , with the music of the herd‐bells ringing down [the passes]_{815-the passes} , and the sound of the fife and of the reed‐pipe calling [the maidens]_{5036-the maidens} to the dance . In the midst of the summer , one night , when all the stars were shining above [the valley]_{6246-the valley} , and [all the children]_{6255-all the children} slept under the roofs with the swallows , and [not a soul]_{6256-not a soul} was stirring , save where here and there [a lover]_{6231-a lover} watched a light glow in some lattice underneath the eaves , [a half‐dead woman]_{6258-a half‐dead woman} dragged [herself]_{6258-a half‐dead woman} feebly under the lime‐tree shadows of [[the pastor]_{6211-the pastor} ’s house]_{6260-the pastor ’s house} , and struck with a faint cry upon the door and fell at [[her]_{6258-a half‐dead woman} father]_{389-her father} ’s feet , broken and senseless . Before the full day had dawned [she]_2532-she had given birth to [a male child]_{6262-a male child} ; and died as [[her]_2532-she son]_{986-her son} ’s eyes opened to the morning light . [He]_{6211-the pastor} inherited no name , and [they]_6264-they called [him]_{6211-the pastor} after [[his]_{6211-the pastor} grandsire]_{6265-his grandsire} , [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . When [[his]_{6211-the pastor} dead daughter]_{6266-his dead daughter} lay stretched before [him]_{6211-the pastor} in the sunlight , with [her]_{6266-his dead daughter} white large limbs folded to rest , and [her]_{6266-his dead daughter} noble fair face calm as a mask of marble , [the old pastor]_{6267-the old pastor} knew little — nothing — of what [her]_{6266-his dead daughter} life through these two brief years had been . [Her]_{6266-his dead daughter} lips had scarcely breathed a word since [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had fallen senseless on [his]_{6211-the pastor} threshold . That [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had triumph [he]_{6211-the pastor} knew ; that [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had fallen into dire necessities [he]_{6211-the pastor} saw . Whether [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had surrendered art for the sake of love , or whether [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had lost the public favour by some caprice of [the public]_{6268-the public} , whether [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had been eminent or obscure in [her]_{6266-his dead daughter} career , whether it had abandoned [her]_{6266-his dead daughter} or [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had abandoned it , [he]_{6211-the pastor} could not tell , and [he]_{6211-the pastor} knew too little of [the world]_{268-the world} to be able to learn . That [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had travelled [her]_{6266-his dead daughter} weary way homeward to [[her]_{6266-his dead daughter} native mountains]_{6270-her native mountains} that [[her]_{6266-his dead daughter} son]_{986-her son} might not perish among [strangers]_{5832-strangers} , [he]_{6211-the pastor} knew ; but no more . Nor was more ever known by [any living soul]_{4905-any living soul} . In life there are so many histories which are like broken boughs that strew the ground after a storm , snapped short at either end , so that none know the crown of them nor the root . [The child whom [she]_{6266-his dead daughter} had left]_{6274-the child whom she had left} grew in goodliness and strength and stature , until [the people]_{4948-the people} said that [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} was like [that child‐king , whom [[their]_{4948-the people} hero]_{6277-their hero} [Frithiof]_180-frithiof raised upon [his]_180-frithiof buckler above [the multitude]_{453-the multitude} ; and who was not afraid , but boldly gripped the brazen shield , and smiled fearlessly at the noonday sun]_{6276-that child‐king , whom their hero frithiof raised upon his buckler above the multitude ; and who was not afraid , but boldly gripped the brazen shield , and smiled fearlessly at the noonday sun} . [He]_{6274-the child whom she had left} had [[his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} mother]_{4997-his mother} ’s golden Scandinavian beauty ; the beauty of sculpture , white as the snow , of unusual height , and largely moulded ; and [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} free life amidst [the ice‐fields]_{6280-the ice‐fields} and [the pinewoods]_{6281-the pinewoods} , and on [the wild northern seas]_{6282-the wild northern seas} , developed both health and strength to [their]_{4948-the people} uttermost perfection . [The people]_{4948-the people} admired and wondered at [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} ; [they]_{4948-the people} did not love [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} . [The lad]_{1197-the lad} was cold , dauntless , silent ; [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} repelled [their]_{4948-the people} sympathies and disdained [their]_{4948-the people} pastimes . [He]_{6274-the child whom she had left} chose rather to be by [himself]_{6274-the child whom she had left} than with [them]_{4948-the people} . [He]_{6274-the child whom she had left} was never cruel ; but [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} was never tender ; and when [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} did speak [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} spoke with a sort of eloquent scorn and caustic imagery that seemed to [them]_{4948-the people} extraordinary in one so young . But [[his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} grandfather]_{6285-his grandfather} loved [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} greatly ; and reared [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} tenderly and wisely ; and braced [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} with [a scholar]_{6286-a scholar} ’s lore and with [a mountaineer]_{6287-a mountaineer} ’s exposure , so that both brain and body had [their]_{4948-the people} due . [He]_{6274-the child whom she had left} was [a simple childlike broken old man]_{6288-a simple childlike broken old man} ; but in this vigorous youth that unfolded itself beside [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} age seemed to strike fresh root , and [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} had wisdom and skill enough to guide its development justly . The desire of [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} soul was that [[his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} grandson]_{6289-his grandson} should succeed [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} in the spiritual charge of [that tranquil valley]_{6290-that tranquil valley} , and thus escaped the dire perils of [the cities in which [the mother]_{5066-the mother} ’s life had been caught and consumed like a moth ’s in flame]_{6291-the cities in which the mother ’s life had been caught and consumed like a moth ’s in flame} . But [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s eyes looked ever across [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} with that look in them which had been in [[his]_172-arslàn mother]_{4997-his mother} ’s , and when [the old man]_{335-the old man} spoke of this holy and peaceful future , [he]_{335-the old man} was silent . Moreover , [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} — who had never beheld but the rude paintings on panels of pine that decorated [the little red church under the firs and lindens,—he]_{6296-the little red church under the firs and lindens,—he} had the gift of art in [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} . [He]_{6274-the child whom she had left} had few and rough means only with which to make [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} crude and unguided essays ; but the delirium of it was on [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} , and [the peasants of [[his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} village]_{6298-his village}]_{6297-the peasants of his village} gazed awe‐stricken and adoring before the things which [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} drew on every piece of pine‐wood , on every smooth breadth of sea‐worn granite , on every bare surface of lime‐washed wall that [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} could find at liberty for [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} usage . [Whey]_181-whey [they]_{6297-the peasants of his village} asked [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} what , in [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} manhood , [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} would do , [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} said little . “_[2532-she] [I]_0-her will never leave [the old man]_{335-the old man} , ” [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} made answer ; and [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} kept [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} word . Up to [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} twentieth year [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} never quitted [the valley]_{6246-the valley} . [He]_{6274-the child whom she had left} studied deeply , after [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} own manner , but nearly all [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} days were passed in the open air alone ; in the pure cold air of the highest mountain summits , amidst the thunder of the furious torrents ; in the black recesses of [lonely forests]_{6300-lonely forests} , where none , save the wolf and the bear , wandered with [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} ; or away on [the vast expanse of [the sea]_{405-the sea} , where the storm drove the great arctic waves like scourged sheep , and the huge breakers seized [the shore]_{2087-the shore} as a panther its prey]_{6301-the vast expanse of the sea , where the storm drove the great arctic waves like scourged sheep , and the huge breakers seized the shore as a panther its prey} . On [such a world as this]_{6304-such a world as this} , and in the marvelous nights of [the north]_{5084-the north} , [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} mind fed itself and gained its full powers . The feeble life of [the old man]_{335-the old man} held [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} to [this lonely valley]_{6307-this lonely valley} that seemed filled with the coldness , the mystery , the unutterable terror and majesty of [the arctic pole]_{6308-the arctic pole} , to which it looked ; but , unknown to [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} , it thus fettered [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} likewise where alone the genius in [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} could take its full shape and full stature . Unknown to [him]_{6274-the child whom she had left} , in these years it took the depth , the strength , the patience , the melancholy , the virility of [the North]_{51-the north} ; took these never to be lost again . In the twentieth winter of [his]_{6274-the child whom she had left} life an avalanche engulfed [[the pastor]_{6211-the pastor} ’s house]_{6260-the pastor ’s house} , and [the little church by which [it]_{6260-the pastor ’s house} stood]_{6311-the little church by which it stood} ; covering both beneath [a mountain of earth and snow and rock and riven trees]_{6312-a mountain of earth and snow and rock and riven trees} . Some of the timbers withstood the shock , and the roof remained standing uncrushed above [their]_{6211-the pastor} heads . The avalanche fell some little time after midnight : there were only present in [the dwelling]_{6313-the dwelling} [himself]_{6274-the child whom she had left} , [the old man]_{335-the old man} , and [a serving woman]_{6315-a serving woman} . [The woman]_{633-the woman} was killed on [her]_{633-the woman} bed by the fall of a beam upon [her]_{633-the woman} ; [he]_{6274-the child whom she had left} and [the pastor]_{6211-the pastor} still lived : lived in perpetual darkness without food or fuel , or any ray of light . The wooden clock stood erect , uninjured ; [they]_{6211-the pastor} could hear the hours go by in slow succession . [The old man]_{335-the old man} was peaceful and even cheerful ; praising [God]_118-god often ; and praying that help might come to [this beloved one]_{6319-this beloved one} . But [his]_{335-the old man} strength could not hold out against the icy cold , the long hunger , the dreadful blank around . [He]_{335-the old man} died ere the first day had wholly gone by , at even‐song ; saying still that [he]_{335-the old man} was content , and still praising God who had rewarded [his]_{335-the old man} innocence with shame , and recompensed [his]_{335-the old man} service with agony . For two more days and nights , [Arslàn]_172-arslàn remained in [[his]_{335-the old man} living tomb]_{6320-his living tomb} , enshrouded in eternal gloom , alone with [the body of [[his]_{335-the old man} grandfather]_{6285-his grandfather} , stretching out [his]_{335-the old man} hands ever and again to meet the icy touch rather than be without companionship]_{6321-the body of his grandfather , stretching out his hands ever and again to meet the icy touch rather than be without companionship} . On the morning of the third day [the people of [the village]_{1466-the village}]_{6323-the people of the village} , who had laboured ceaselessly , reached [him]_{335-the old man} ; and [he]_{335-the old man} was saved . As soon as the spring broke , [he]_{335-the old man} left [the valley]_{6246-the valley} and passed over [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains} , seeking [a new world]_{6327-a new world} . [[His]_{335-the old man} old familiar home]_{6328-his old familiar home} had become hateful to [him]_{335-the old man} ; [he]_{335-the old man} had no tie to [it]_{6328-his old familiar home} save two low graves , still snow‐covered underneath a knot of tall stone‐pines ; the Norse passion of wandering was in [his]_{335-the old man} veins as it had been in [[his]_{335-the old man} mother]_{4997-his mother} ’s before [him]_{335-the old man} ; [he]_{335-the old man} mutely desired freedom , colour , knowledge , art , fame , as [she]_{4997-his mother} had desired them , and [he]_{335-the old man} went : turning [his]_{335-the old man} face from that lowly green nest lying like a lark ’s between [the hills]_{931-the hills} . [He]_{335-the old man} did not go as youth mostly goes , blind with a divine dream of triumph : [he]_{335-the old man} went , consciously , to a bitter combat as [the sea kings of old , whose blood ran in [his]_{335-the old man} veins , and whose strength was in [his]_{335-the old man} limbs]_{6331-the sea kings of old , whose blood ran in his veins , and whose strength was in his limbs} , had gone to war , setting [their]_{6331-the sea kings of old , whose blood ran in his veins , and whose strength was in his limbs} prow hard against the sharp salt waves and in the teeth of an adverse wind . [He]_{335-the old man} was not without money . [The pastor]_{6211-the pastor} , indeed , had died almost penniless ; [he]_{6211-the pastor} had been always poor , and had given the little [he]_{6211-the pastor} possessed to those still poorer . But [the richest landowner in [the village]_{1466-the village}]_{6333-the richest landowner in the village} , [the largest possessor of flocks and herds]_{6335-the largest possessor of flocks and herds} , dying childless , had bequeathed [[his]_{6333-the richest landowner in the village} farm]_{6336-his farm} and cattle to [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ; having loved [[the lad]_{1197-the lad} ’s dead mother]_{6338-the lad ’s dead mother} silently and vainly . The value of these realised by sale gave to [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , when [he]_{335-the old man} became [[his]_{335-the old man} own master]_{6339-his own master} , what , in [that valley]_{6340-that valley} at least , was wealth ; and [he]_{335-the old man} went without care for the future on this score into the world of [men]_364-men ; [his]_{335-the old man} mind full of dreams and the beautiful myths of dead ages ; [his]_{335-the old man} temper compounded of poetry and coldness , of enthusiasm and of scepticism ; [his]_{335-the old man} one passion a supreme ambition , pure as snow in its instinct , but half savage in its intensity . From that spring , when [he]_{335-the old man} had passed away from [[his]_{335-the old man} birthplace]_{6342-his birthplace} as the winter snows were melting on [the mountain sides]_{6343-the mountain sides} , and the mountain flowers were putting forth their earliest buds under the pine boughs , until the time that [he]_{335-the old man} now stood solitary , starving , and hopeless before the mocking eyes of [[his]_{335-the old man} Hermes]_{6344-his hermes} , twelve years had run their course , and all through them [he]_{335-the old man} had never once again beheld [[his]_{335-the old man} native land]_{6345-his native land} . Like [the Scandinavian Regner]_{182-the scandinavian regner} , [he]_{335-the old man} chose rather to perish in the folds , and by the fangs , of the snakes that devoured [him]_{335-the old man} than return to [[his]_{335-the old man} country]_{6346-his country} with the confession of defeat . And despite the powers that were in [him]_{335-the old man} , [his]_{335-the old man} life had been a failure , an utter failure — as yet . In [his]_{335-the old man} early youth [he]_{335-the old man} had voyaged often , with [men who went to the extreme north in search of skins and such poor trade as [they]_{6347-men who went to the extreme north in search of skins and such poor trade as they could drive with esquimaux or koraks} could drive with [Esquimaux]_52-esquimaux or [Koraks]_53-koraks]_{6347-men who went to the extreme north in search of skins and such poor trade as they could drive with esquimaux or koraks} ; [he]_{335-the old man} had borne [their]_{6347-men who went to the extreme north in search of skins and such poor trade as they could drive with esquimaux or koraks} dangers and [their]_{6347-men who went to the extreme north in search of skins and such poor trade as they could drive with esquimaux or koraks} poverty , [their]_{6347-men who went to the extreme north in search of skins and such poor trade as they could drive with esquimaux or koraks} miseries and [their]_{6347-men who went to the extreme north in search of skins and such poor trade as they could drive with esquimaux or koraks} famine , for sake of seeing what [they]_{6347-men who went to the extreme north in search of skins and such poor trade as they could drive with esquimaux or koraks} saw;—the [pathless oceans of [the ice realm]_{6349-the ice realm}]_{6348-pathless oceans of the ice realm} , the trailing pines alone in [a white snow world]_{6350-a white snow world} , the red moon fantastic and horrible in a sky of steel , the horned clouds of reindeer rushing through the endless night , the arch of the aurora spanning the heavens with their fire . [He]_{335-the old man} had passed many seasons of [his]_{335-the old man} boyhood in the silence , the solitude , the eternal desolation , and the mute mystery of [that Arctic world]_{6351-that arctic world} , which for [no man]_{392-no man} has either sympathy or story ; and in a way [he]_{335-the old man} had loved it , and was often weary for it ; in a way [its]_{6351-that arctic world} spirit remained with [him]_{335-the old man} always ; and its inexorable coldness , [its]_{6351-that arctic world} pitiless indifference to [men]_364-men ’s wants and weakness , its loneliness and its purity , and its scorn , were in all the works of [his]_{335-the old man} hand ; blended in a strange union with the cruelty , and the voluptuousness , and the gorgeousness of colour , which gave to everything [he]_{335-the old man} touched the glow and the temper of the east . Thus , what [he]_{335-the old man} did pleased none ; being for one half [the world]_{268-the world} too chill , and being for the other half too sensual . [The world]_{268-the world} had never believed in [him]_{335-the old man} ; and [he]_{335-the old man} found [himself]_{335-the old man} in the height and maturity of [his]_{335-the old man} powers condemned to an absolute obscurity . [Not one man in a million]_{6356-not one man in a million} knew [his]_{335-the old man} name . During these years [he]_{335-the old man} had devoted [himself]_{335-the old man} to the study of art with an undeviating subservience to all its tyrannies . [He]_{335-the old man} had studied humanity in all its phases ; [he]_{335-the old man} had studied form with all the rigid care that it requires ; [he]_{335-the old man} had studied colour in almost [every land that lies beneath the sun]_{6357-every land that lies beneath the sun} ; [he]_{335-the old man} had studied the passions in all [their]_6358-their deformities , as well as in all [their]_6358-their beauties ; [he]_{335-the old man} had spared neither [himself]_{335-the old man} nor [others]_5531-others in pursuit of knowledge . [He]_{335-the old man} had tried most vices , [he]_{335-the old man} had seen all miseries , [he]_{335-the old man} had spared [himself]_{335-the old man} no spectacle , however loathsome ; [he]_{335-the old man} had turned back from no license , however undesired , that could give [him]_{335-the old man} insight into empire over human raptures and affliction . Neither did [he]_{335-the old man} spare [himself]_{335-the old man} any labour however costly , however exhausting , to enrich [his]_{335-the old man} brain with that varied learning , that multifarious science which [he]_{335-the old man} held needful to [every artist who dared to desire greatness]_{6360-every artist who dared to desire greatness} . The hireling beauty of [the wanton]_{6361-the wanton} , the splendour of the sun and [sea]_6206-sea , the charnel lore of anatomy , the secrets of dead tongues and [buried nations]_{6363-buried nations} , the horrors of [the lazar wards and [pest‐houses]_{6365-pest‐houses}]_{6364-the lazar wards and pest‐houses} , the glories of [golden deserts and purple vineyards]_{6366-golden deserts and purple vineyards} , the flush of love on [a young girl]_{6367-a young girl} ’s cheek , the rottenness of corruption on [a dead man]_{6368-a dead man} ’s limbs , the hellish riot of [a brothel]_{6369-a brothel} , the divine calm of an eastern night ; all things alike [he]_{335-the old man} studied , without abhorrence as without delight , indifferent to all save for one end,—knowledge and art . So entirely and undividedly did this possess [him]_{335-the old man} that it seemed to have left [him]_{335-the old man} without other passions ; even as [the surgeon]_{6370-the surgeon} dissects the fair lifeless body of [sone beautiful dead women]_{6371-sone beautiful dead women} , regardless of loveliness or sex , intent on the secret of disease , the mystery of formation , which [he]_{335-the old man} seeks therein , so did [he]_{335-the old man} study the physical beauty of [women]_365-women and [their]_365-women mortal corruption , without other memories than those of art . [He]_{335-the old man} would see the veil fall from off the limbs of a creature lovely as [a goddess]_{6373-a goddess} , and would think only to himself—“How_[0-her] shall [I]_0-her render this so that on [my]_0-her canvas it shall live once more ? ” One night , in [the hot , close streets of [Damascus]_54-damascus]_{6374-the hot , close streets of damascus} , [a man]_{4875-a man} was stabbed,—a young Maronite — who lay dying in [the roadway]_{6376-the roadway} , without sign or sound , whilst [[his]_{4875-a man} assassins]_{6377-his assassins} fled ; the silver Syrian moon shining full on [his]_{4875-a man} white and scarlet robe , [his]_{4875-a man} calm , upturned face , [his]_{4875-a man} lean hand knotted on the dagger [he]_{4875-a man} had been spared no time to use ; a famished street dog smelling at [his]_{4875-a man} blood . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , passing through [the city]_{473-the city} , saw and paused beside [him]_{4875-a man} ; stood still and motionless , looking down on [the outstretched figure]_{6379-the outstretched figure} ; then drew [his]_{4875-a man} tablets out and sketched the serene , rigid face , the flowing , blood‐soaked robes , the hungry animal mouthing at the wound . [Another painter]_{6380-another painter} , [[his]_{4875-a man} familiar friend]_{6381-his familiar friend} , following on [his]_{4875-a man} steps , joined [him]_{4875-a man} a little later , and started from [his]_{4875-a man} side in horror — “_{[2535-my god]} [[My]_0-her God]_{2535-my god} ! what do [you]_{2535-my god} do there ? ” [he]_{6380-another painter} cried . “_{[2535-my god]} Do [you]_{2535-my god} not [see?—that man]_{2536-see?—that man} is dying ! ” [Arslàn]_172-arslàn looked up—“I_{[2536-see?—that man]} had not thought of that , ” [he]_{4875-a man} answered . It was thus always with [him]_{4875-a man} . [He]_{4875-a man} was not cruel . To [animals]_6382-animals [he]_{4875-a man} was humane , to [women]_365-women gentle , to [men]_364-men serene ; but [his]_{4875-a man} art was before all things with [him]_{4875-a man} , and with humanity [he]_{4875-a man} had little sympathy ; and if had passions , [they]_364-men had wakened no more than as [the drowsy tigress]_{6385-the drowsy tigress} wakes in the hot hush of noon , half indifferent , half lustful , to strike fiercely what comes before [her]_{6385-the drowsy tigress} , and then , having slain , couches [herself]_{6385-the drowsy tigress} and sleeps again . But for this absolute surrender of [his]_{4875-a man} life , [his]_{4875-a man} art had as yet recompensed [him]_{4875-a man} nothing . [Men]_364-men did not believe in [him]_{4875-a man} ; what [he]_{4875-a man} wrought saddened and terrified [them]_364-men ; [they]_364-men turned aside to [those who fed them on simpler and on sweeter food]_{6387-those who fed them on simpler and on sweeter food} . [His]_{4875-a man} works were great , but they were such as the public mind deems impious . [They]_364-men unveiled human corruption too nakedly , and [they]_364-men shadowed forth visions too exalted , and satires too unsparing , for them to be acceptable to [the multitude]_{453-the multitude} . They were compounded of an idealism clear and cold as crystal , and of a reality cruel and voluptuous as love . [They]_364-men were penetrated with an acrid satire and an intense despair : [the world]_{268-the world} caring only for a honied falsehood and a gilded gloss in every art , would have none of [them]_364-men . So far these twelve long years [his]_{4875-a man} labour had been waste , [his]_{4875-a man} efforts fruitless . Those years had been costly to [him]_{4875-a man} in purse;—travel , study , gold flung to [fallen women]_{6390-fallen women} , sums spent on [faithless friends]_{6391-faithless friends} , utter indifference to whosoever robbed [him]_{4875-a man} , so long as [he]_{4875-a man} was left in peace to pursue lofty aims and high endeavours — all these did [their]_364-men common work on wealth which was scanty in the press of [the world]_{268-the world} , though it had appeared inexhaustible on [the shores of [the north sea]_{6394-the north sea}]_{6393-the shores of the north sea} . [His]_{4875-a man} labours also were costly , and they brought [him]_{4875-a man} no return . The indifference to fortune in [a man of genius]_{6395-a man of genius} looks , to [a man of the world , the stupor of idiotcy]_{6396-a man of the world , the stupor of idiotcy} : from such a stupor [he]_{4875-a man} was shaken one day to find [himself]_{4875-a man} face to face with [beggary]_6397-beggary . [His]_{4875-a man} works were seen by [few]_6398-few , and these few were antagonstic to [them]_6398-few . All ways to fame were closed to [him]_{4875-a man} , either by the envy of [other painters]_{6399-other painters} , or by the apathies and [the antipathies of [the nations themselves]_{6401-the nations themselves}]_{6400-the antipathies of the nations themselves} . In [all lands]_{2488-all lands} [he]_{4875-a man} was repulsed ; [he]_{4875-a man} roused the jealousy of [[his]_{4875-a man} compeers]_{6403-his compeers} and the terror of [the multitudes]_{6404-the multitudes} . [They]_6398-few hurled against [him]_{4875-a man} the old worn‐out cry that the office of art was to give pleasure , not pain ; and when [his]_{4875-a man} money was gone , so that [he]_{4875-a man} could no longer , at [his]_{4875-a man} own cost , expose [his]_{4875-a man} works to the public gaze , [they]_6398-few and [he]_{4875-a man} were alike obliterated from the public marts ; [they]_6398-few had always denied [him]_{4875-a man} fame , and [they]_6398-few at last thrust [him]_{4875-a man} quickly into oblivion , and abandoned [him]_{4875-a man} to it without remorse , and even with contentment . [He]_{4875-a man} could , indeed , with the facile power of eye and touch that [he]_{4875-a man} possessed , have easily purchased a temporary ease and evanescent repute , if [he]_{4875-a man} had given [the world]_{268-the world} from [his]_{4875-a man} pencil those themes for which [it]_{268-the world} cared , and descended to the common spheres of common art . But [he]_{4875-a man} refused utterly to do this . The best and greatest thing in [him]_{4875-a man} was [his]_{4875-a man} honesty to the genius wherewith [he]_{4875-a man} was gifted ; [he]_{4875-a man} refused to prostitute it ; [he]_{4875-a man} refused to do other than to tell the truth as [he]_{4875-a man} saw it . “_{[2536-see?—that man]} [This man]_{1234-this man} blasphemes ; [this man]_{1234-this man} is immoral , ” [[his]_{4875-a man} enemies]_{6406-his enemies} had always hooted against [him]_{4875-a man} . It is what [the world]_{268-the world} always says of [those who utter unwelcome truths in its unwilling ears]_{6408-those who utter unwelcome truths in its unwilling ears} . So the words of [the old Skald]_{6409-the old skald} by [[his]_{4875-a man} own northern seashores]_{6410-his own northern seashores} came to pass ; and at length , for the sake of art , it came to this , that [he]_{4875-a man} perished for want of bread . For seven days [he]_{4875-a man} had been without food , except the winter berries which [he]_{4875-a man} broke off the trees without , and such handfuls of wheat as fell through the disjointed timbers of the ceiling , for whose possession [he]_{4875-a man} disputed with the rats . The sheer absolute poverty , which leaves [the man whom it has seized without so much as even a crust wherewith to break]_{6411-the man whom it has seized without so much as even a crust wherewith to break} [his]_{4875-a man} fast , is commoner than [the world]_{268-the world} in general ever dreams . For [he]_{4875-a man} was now so poor that for many months [he]_{4875-a man} had been unable to buy fresh canvas on which to work , and had been driven to chalk the outlines of the innumerable fancies that pursued [him]_{4875-a man} upon the bare smooth grey stone walls of [the old granary in which [he]_{4875-a man} dwelt]_{6413-the old granary in which he dwelt} . [He]_{4875-a man} let [his]_{4875-a man} life go silently away without complaint , and without effort , because effort had been so long unavailing , that [he]_{4875-a man} had discarded it in a contemptuous despair . [He]_{4875-a man} accepted [his]_{4875-a man} fate , seeing nothing strange in it , and nothing pitiable ; since [many better men than [he]_{4875-a man} had borne the like]_{6414-many better men than he had borne the like} . [He]_{4875-a man} could not have altered it without beggary or theft , and [he]_{4875-a man} thought either of these worse than itself . There were hecatombs of grain , bursting [their]_{6414-many better men than he had borne the like} sacks , in the lofts above ; but when , once on each eighth day , [the maltster]_{6415-the maltster} owning [them]_{6414-many better men than he had borne the like} sent [[his]_{4875-a man} men]_{6416-his men} to fetch some from [the store]_{6417-the store} , Arslàn let [the boat]_{1942-the boat} be moored against the wall , be filled with barley , and be pushed away again down the current , wihtout saying once to [the rowers]_{6419-the rowers} , “_{[1234-this man]} Wait ; [I]_0-her starve ! ” And yet , though like [a miser]_{595-a miser} , amidst [his]_{4875-a man} gold , [his]_{4875-a man} body starved amidst the noble shapes and the great thoughts that [his]_{4875-a man} brain conceived and [his]_{4875-a man} hand called into substance , [he]_{4875-a man} never once dreamed of abandoning for any other the career to which [he]_{4875-a man} had dedicated [himself]_{4875-a man} from the earliest days that [his]_{4875-a man} boyish eyes had watched the fires of the Arctic lights glow above [the winter seas]_{6421-the winter seas} . [Art]_183-art was to [him]_{4875-a man} as [mother]_6422-mother , [brethren]_837-brethren , [mistress]_{6424-mistress} , [offspring]_{6425-offspring} , religion — all that [other men]_{1870-other men} hold dear . [He]_{4875-a man} had none of these , [he]_{4875-a man} desired none of them ; and [his]_{4875-a man} genius sufficed to [him]_{4875-a man} in [their]_{1870-other men} stead . It was an intense and reckless egotism , made alike cruel and sublime by its intensity and purity , like the egotism of [a mother in [her]_{6427-a mother in her child} child]_{6427-a mother in her child} . To it , as [the mother]_{5066-the mother} to [[her]_{6427-a mother in her child} child]_{4931-her child} , [he]_{4875-a man} would have sacrificed [every living creature]_{6430-every living creature} ; but to it also , like [her]_{6427-a mother in her child} , [he]_{4875-a man} would have sacrificed [his]_{4875-a man} very existence as unhesitatingly . But it was an egotism which , though merciless in its tyranny , was as pure as snow in its impersonality ; it was untainted by any grain of avarice , of vanity , of selfish desire ; it was independent of all sympathy ; it was simply and intensely the passion for immortality:—that sublime selfishness , that superb madness , of all great minds . [Art]_183-art had taken [him]_{4875-a man} for its own , as [Demeter]_{163-the great demeter} , in the days of [her]_{163-the great demeter} desolation , took [the child]_{272-the child} [Demophoon]_{184-demophoon} to nurture [him]_{272-the child} as [her]_{163-the great demeter} own on the food of gods , and to plunge [him]_{272-the child} through the flames of a fire that would give [him]_{272-the child} immortal life . As the pusillanimous and sordid fears of [the mortal mother]_{6432-the mortal mother} lost to [the child]_{272-the child} for evermore the possession of Olympian joys and of perpetual youth , so did the craven and earthly cares of bodily needs hold [the artist]_{6434-the artist} back from the radiance of the life of the soul , and drag [him]_{272-the child} from the purifying fires . Yet [he]_{272-the child} had not been utterly discouraged ; [he]_{272-the child} strove against the Metanira of circumstance ; [he]_{272-the child} did [his]_{272-the child} best to struggle free from the mortal bonds that bound [him]_{272-the child} ; and , as [the child Demophoon]_{6435-the child demophoon} mourned for [the great goddess that had nurtured [him]_{4875-a man}]_{6436-the great goddess that had nurtured him} , refusing to be comforted , so did [he]_{4875-a man} turn form the base consolations of the sense and the appetites , and beheld ever before [his]_{4875-a man} sight the ineffable majesty of [that Mater Dolorosa who once and for ever had anointed [him]_{4875-a man} as [her]_{163-the great demeter} own]_{185-that mater dolorosa who once and for ever had anointed him as her own} . Even now as the strength returned to [his]_{4875-a man} limbs and the warmth to [his]_{4875-a man} veins , the old passion , the old worship , returned to [him]_{4875-a man} . The momentary weakness which had assailed [him]_{4875-a man} passed away . [He]_{272-the child} shook [himself]_{272-the child} with a bitter impatient scorn for the feebleness into which [he]_{272-the child} had been betrayed ; and glanced around [him]_{272-the child} still with a dull wonder as to the strange chances which the past night had brought . [He]_{272-the child} was incredulous still ; [he]_{272-the child} thought that [his]_{272-the child} fancy , heated by long fasting , might have cheated [him]_{272-the child} ; that [he]_{272-the child} must have dreamed ; and that the food and fuel which [he]_{272-the child} saw must surely have been [his]_{272-the child} own . Yet reflection told [him]_{272-the child} that this could not be ; [he]_{272-the child} remembered that for several weeks [his]_{272-the child} last coin had been spent ; that [he]_{272-the child} had been glad to gather the birds ’ winter berries to crush beneath [his]_{272-the child} teeth , and gather the dropped corn from the floor to quiet the calm of hunger ; that for many a day there had been no fire on the hearth , and that only a frame which long sunless northern winters had braced to such hardihood in early youth , had enabled [him]_{272-the child} to resist and endure the cold . Therefore , it must be charity . Charity!—as the hateful truth came home to [him]_{272-the child} , [he]_{272-the child} met the eyes of [the white , slender , winged Hermes]_{6437-the white , slender , winged hermes} : eyes that from out that colourless and smiling face seemed to mock [him]_{272-the child} with a cruel contempt . [His]_6438-his was the old , old story — the rod of wealth bartered for the empty shell that gave forth music . [Hermes]_164-hermes seemed to know it and to jeer [him]_{272-the child} . [Hermes]_164-hermes , [the mischief‐monger]_{6439-the mischief‐monger} , and [the trickster of]_{6440-the trickster of} [men]_364-men ; [the inventive god who spent [his]_164-hermes days in cajoling [[his]_164-hermes brethren]_{6443-his brethren} , and [his]_164-hermes nights in the mockery of [mortals]_2172-mortals]_{6442-the inventive god who spent his days in cajoling his brethren , and his nights in the mockery of mortals} ; [the messenger of heaven who gave [Pandora]_186-pandora to [mankind]_6446-mankind]_{6445-the messenger of heaven who gave pandora to mankind} ; [Hermes]_164-hermes , the eternal type of unscrupulous Success , seemed to have voice and cry to [him:—“Oh_{[2536-see?—that man]} fool]_{6447-him:—“oh fool} , fool , fool ! who listens for the music of the spheres , and disdains the only melody that [men have ears to hear]_{2539-men have ears to hear} — the melody of gold ! ” [Arslàn]_172-arslàn turned from the great cartoon of the gods in [Pheræ]_41-pheræ , and went out into the daylight , and stripped and plunged into [the cold and turbulent stream]_{6448-the cold and turbulent stream} . Its chilliness and the combat of its current braced [his]_172-arslàn nerves and cleared [his]_172-arslàn brain . When [he]_172-arslàn was clad , [he]_172-arslàn left the grain‐tower with the white forms of [its gods]_{6449-its gods} upon its walls , and walk slowly down [the banks of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{6450-the banks of the river} . Since life had been forced back upon [him]_172-arslàn [he]_172-arslàn knew that it was incumbent upon [his]_172-arslàn manhood to support it by the toil of [his]_172-arslàn hands if [men]_364-men would not accept the labour of [his]_172-arslàn brain . Before , [he]_172-arslàn had been too absorbed in [his]_172-arslàn pursuit , too devoted to it , body and soul , to seek to sustain existence by sheer manual exertion which was the only thing that [he]_172-arslàn had left untried for self‐maintenance . In a manner too [he]_172-arslàn was too proud ; not too proud to labour , but too proud to easily endure to lay bare [his]_172-arslàn needs to the knowledge of [others]_5531-others . But now , human charity must have saved [him]_172-arslàn ; a charity which [he]_172-arslàn hated as the foulest insult of [his]_172-arslàn life ; and [he]_172-arslàn had no chance save to accept it like [a beggar bereft of all shame]_{6454-a beggar bereft of all shame} , or to seek such work as would give [him]_172-arslàn [his]_172-arslàn daily bread . So [he]_172-arslàn went ; feebly , for [he]_172-arslàn was still weak from the length of [his]_172-arslàn famine . [The country]_{751-the country} was well known to [him]_172-arslàn , but [the people]_{4948-the people} not at all . [He]_172-arslàn had come by hazard on [the old ruin where [he]_172-arslàn dwelt]_{6457-the old ruin where he dwelt} , and had stayed [there]_439-there full a year . These serene blue skies , these pale mists , [these corn‐clad slopes]_{6459-these corn‐clad slopes} , [these fields of pleasant of plenteous abundance]_{6460-these fields of pleasant of plenteous abundance} , [these quiet homesteads]_{6461-these quiet homesteads} , these fruit‐harvests of [this Norman plain]_{6462-this norman plain} were in a contrast intense , yet soothing , to all that [his]_172-arslàn life had known . [These old quaint cities]_{6463-these old quaint cities} , [these little villages that seemed always hushed with the sound of bells]_{6464-these little villages that seemed always hushed with the sound of bells} , [these quiet streams on which the calm sunlight slept so peacefully , [these green and golden lands of plenty]_{6466-these green and golden lands of plenty} that stretched away to the dim grey distant sea,—all these]_{6465-these quiet streams on which the calm sunlight slept so peacefully , these green and golden lands of plenty that stretched away to the dim grey distant sea,—all these} had had a certain charm for [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn had abided with [them]_{6465-these quiet streams on which the calm sunlight slept so peacefully , these green and golden lands of plenty that stretched away to the dim grey distant sea,—all these} , partly because amidst [them]_{6465-these quiet streams on which the calm sunlight slept so peacefully , these green and golden lands of plenty that stretched away to the dim grey distant sea,—all these} it seemed possible to live on a handful of wheat and a draught of water , unnoticed and unpitied , partly because , having come hither on foot through [many lands]_{6467-many lands} and by long hardships , [he]_172-arslàn had paused there weary and incapable of farther effort . Whilst the little gold [he]_172-arslàn had had on [him]_172-arslàn had lasted [he]_172-arslàn had painted innumerable transcripts of [the ancient buildings]_{6468-the ancient buildings} , and of [its]_{6468-the ancient buildings} summer and autumnal landscapes . And of late — through the bitter winter — of late it had seemed to [him]_172-arslàn that it was as well to die here as elsewhere . When [a man]_{4875-a man} knows that [his]_{4875-a man} dead limbs will be huddled into the common ditch of [the poor]_{5743-the poor} , the nameless , and the unclaimed , and that [his]_{4875-a man} dead brain will only serve for soil to feed some little rank wayside poisonous weed , it will seldom seem of much moment in what earth [the ditch]_{2313-the ditch} be dug , by what feet the sward be trod . [He]_172-arslàn went on [his]_172-arslàn way seeking work ; [he]_172-arslàn did not care what , [he]_172-arslàn asked for any that might serve to use such strength as hunger had left in [him]_172-arslàn , and to give [him]_172-arslàn [his]_172-arslàn daily bread . But this is a great thing to demand in [the world]_{268-the world} , and so [he]_172-arslàn found it . [They]_6473-they repulsed [him]_172-arslàn everywhere . [They]_6473-they had [[their]_6473-they own people]_{6474-their own people} in plenty , [they]_6473-they had [their]_6473-they sturdy , tough , [weather‐beaten women , who laboured all day in rain , or snow , or storm]_{6475-weather‐beaten women , who laboured all day in rain , or snow , or storm} , for a pittance , and [they]_6473-they had these in larger numbers than [their]_6473-they field‐work needed . [They]_6473-they looked at [him]_172-arslàn askance ; [this man with the eyes of Arctic blue and the grave gestures of [a king]_{5063-a king} , who only asked to labour as the lowest amongst [them]_6473-they]_{6476-this man with the eyes of arctic blue and the grave gestures of a king , who only asked to labour as the lowest amongst them} . [He]_172-arslàn was [a stranger to [them]_6473-they]_{6478-a stranger to them} ; [he]_172-arslàn did not speak [their]_6473-they tongue with [their]_6473-they accent ; [he]_172-arslàn looked , with that white beauty and that lofty stature , as though [he]_172-arslàn could crush [them]_6473-they in the hollow of [his]_172-arslàn hand . [They]_6473-they would have none of [him]_172-arslàn . “_[2540-he] [He]_2540-he brings misfortune ! ” [they]_6473-they said amongst [themselves]_6473-they ; and [they]_6473-they would have none of [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn had an evil name with [them]_6473-they . [They]_6473-they said at eventide by [their]_6473-they wood‐fires that strange things had been seen since [he]_172-arslàn had come to [the granary]_{542-the granary} by [the river]_{356-the river} . Once [he]_172-arslàn had painted , from the pretty face of [[a stonecutter]_{6481-a stonecutter} ’s little fair son]_{6482-a stonecutter ’s little fair son} , a study of [the wondrous child Zagreus gazing in the fatal mirror]_{6483-the wondrous child zagreus gazing in the fatal mirror} ; [the child]_{272-the child} was laughing , and happy , and healthful at noon , crowned with carnations and river lilies , and by sunset [he]_172-arslàn was dead — dead like the flowers that were still amongst [his]_172-arslàn curls . Once [a girl]_{5074-a girl} had hired [herself]_{5074-a girl} as a model to [him]_172-arslàn for [an Egyptian wanton]_{6486-an egyptian wanton} , [half a singer]_{6487-half a singer} and [half a gipsy]_{6488-half a gipsy} — handsome , lithe , fantastic , voluptuous : the very night [she]_{5074-a girl} left [[the granary]_{542-the granary}]_{542-the granary} [she]_{5074-a girl} was drowned in crossing [a wooden bridge of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{6491-a wooden bridge of the river} , which gave way under the heavy tramp of [the fantoccini player who accompanied [her]_{5074-a girl}]_{6493-the fantoccini player who accompanied her} . Once [he]_172-arslàn had sketched , for the corner of [an oriental study]_{6494-an oriental study} , a rare‐plumaged bird of [the south]_{2290-the south} , which was the idol of [a water‐carrier of [the district]_{295-the district}]_{6496-a water‐carrier of the district} , and the wonder of all [the children]_{452-the children} round : and from that date the bird had sickened and drooped , and lost its colours , and pined until it died . [The boy]_{4995-the boy} ’s death had been from a sudden seizure of one of the many ills of infancy ; [the dancing girl]_{6500-the dancing girl} ’s had come from a common accident due to the rottenness of old worn water‐soaked timber ; the mocking‐bird ’s had arisen from the cruelty of captivity and the chills of northern winds ; all had been the result of simple accident and natural circumstance . But [they]_6501-they had sufficed to fill with horror the minds of [a peasantry]_{6502-a peasantry} always bigoted and strongly prejudiced against [every stranger]_{6503-every stranger} ; and it became to [them]_6501-they a matter of implicit credence that whatsoever living thing should be painted by [the artist Arslàn]_{6504-the artist arslàn} would assuredly never survive to see the rising of the morrow ’s sun . In consequence , for leagues around [they]_6501-they shunned [him]_172-arslàn ; not [man]_4882-man , nor [woman]_339-woman , nor [child]_1265-child would sit to [him]_172-arslàn as [models]_6508-models ; and now , when [he]_172-arslàn sought the wage of a daily labour amongst [them]_6501-they , [he]_172-arslàn was everywhere repulsed . [He]_172-arslàn had long repulsed human sympathy , and in its turn it repulsed [him]_172-arslàn . At last [he]_172-arslàn turned and retraced [his]_172-arslàn steps , baffled and wearied ; [his]_172-arslàn early habits had made [him]_172-arslàn familiar with all manner of agricultural toil ; [he]_172-arslàn would have done the task of [the sower]_{6509-the sower} , [the herdsman]_{823-the herdsman} , [the hewer of wood]_{6511-the hewer of wood} , or [the charcoal‐burner]_{6512-the charcoal‐burner} ; but [they]_6501-they would none of [them]_6501-they believe this of one with [his]_172-arslàn glance and [his]_172-arslàn aspect ; and solicitation was new to [his]_172-arslàn lips and bitter there as gall . [He]_172-arslàn took [his]_172-arslàn way back along [the line of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{6513-the line of the river} ; the beauty of the dawn had gone , the day was only now chilly , heavy , with a rank moisture from the steaming soil . Broken boughs and uprooted bushes were floating on [the turgid water]_{6515-the turgid water} , and over all [the land]_{4984-the land} there hung a sullen fog . The pressure of the air , the humidity , the colourless stillness that reigned throughout , weighed on lungs which for a score of years had only breathed the pure strong rarified air of [the north]_{5084-the north} ; [he]_172-arslàn longed with a sudden passion to be once more amidst [[his]_172-arslàn native mountains]_{6518-his native mountains} under the clear steel‐like skies , and beside the rush of [the vast wild seas]_{6519-the vast wild seas} . Were it only to die as [he]_172-arslàn looked on them , it were better to die there than here . [He]_172-arslàn longed , as [men in deserts]_{6520-men in deserts} thirst for drink , for one breath of the strong salt air of [the north]_{5084-the north} , one sight of the bright keen sea‐born sun as it leapt at dawn from [the waters]_{373-the waters} . The crisp cold nights , the heavens which shone as steel , [the forests]_{2482-the forests} filled with the cry of the wolves , the mountains which [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} ceaselessly assailed , the mighty waves which marched erect like [armies]_6525-armies , the bitter Arctic wind which like a sabre cleft the darkness ; all these came back to [him]_172-arslàn , beloved and beautiful in all [their]_{6518-his native mountains} cruelty , desired by [him]_172-arslàn , with a sick longing for [their]_{6518-his native mountains} freshness , for [their]_{6518-his native mountains} fierceness , for [their]_{6518-his native mountains} freedom . As [he]_172-arslàn dragged [his]_172-arslàn tired limbs thought the grasses and looked out upon [the sullen stream that flowed beside [him]_172-arslàn]_{6526-the sullen stream that flowed beside him} , an oar struck the water , [a flat black boat]_{6527-a flat black boat} drifted beneath the bank , a wild swan disturbed rose with a hiss from the sedges . [The boat]_{1942-the boat} was laden with grain ; there was only one rower in it , who steered by a string wound round [her]_6529-her foot . [She]_6529-her did not lift [her]_6529-her face as [she]_6529-her went by [him]_172-arslàn ; but [her]_6529-her bent brow and [her]_6529-her bosom grew red , and [she]_6529-her cut the water with a swifter , sharper stroke ; [her]_6529-her features were turned from [him]_172-arslàn by that movement of [her]_6529-her head , but [he]_172-arslàn saw the eastern outline of the cheek and chin , the embrowned velvet of the skin , the half‐bare beauty of the heaving chest and supple spine bent back in the action of the oars , the long slender and arched shape of the naked foot , round which the cord was twined;—their contour and their colour struck [him]_172-arslàn with a sudden surprise . [He]_172-arslàn had seen such oftentimes , eastwards , on [the banks of golden rivers]_{6530-the banks of golden rivers} , treading , with such feet as these , the sands that were the dust of [countless nations]_{6531-countless nations} ; bearing , on such shoulders as these earthen water‐vases that might have served the feasts of [Pharaohs]_{6532-pharaohs} ; showing such limbs as these against the curled palm branches and the deep blue sky upon [the desert]_{2040-the desert} ’s edge . But here!—a face of [Asia]_55-asia amongst [the corn‐lands of [Northern France]_{56-northern france}]_{6534-the corn‐lands of northern france} ? It seemed to [him]_172-arslàn strange ; [he]_172-arslàn looked after [her]_6529-her with wonder . [The boat]_{1942-the boat} went on down [the stream]_{374-the stream} without any pause ; the sculls cleaving the heavy tide with regular and resolute monotony ; the golden piles of the grain and the brown form of the bending figure soon hidden in the clouds of [river‐mist]_{57-river‐mist} . [He]_172-arslàn watched [her]_6529-her , only seeing [a beggar‐girl]_{6537-a beggar‐girl} rowing a skiff full of corn down [a sluggish stream]_{6538-a sluggish stream} . There was nothing to tell [him]_172-arslàn that [he]_172-arslàn was looking upon the saviour of [his]_172-arslàn body from the thralls of death ; if there had been , in [his]_172-arslàn mood , then , [he]_172-arslàn would have cursed [her]_6529-her . [The boat]_{1942-the boat} glided into the fog which closed behind [it]_{1942-the boat} ; a flock of water‐birds swam out from the rushes and darted at some floating kernels of wheat that had fallen over [the vessel]_{6540-the vessel} ’s side ; [they]_6541-them fought and hissed , and flapped and pecked amongst [themselves]_6541-them over the chance plunder ; a large rat stole amidst [them]_6541-them unnoticed by [them]_6541-them in [their]_6541-them exultation , and seized [[their]_6541-them leader]_{6542-their leader} and bore [him]_{6542-their leader} struggling and beating the air with blood‐stained wings away to a hole in [the bank]_{2255-the bank} ; a mongrel dog , prowling on [the shore]_{2087-the shore} , hearing the wild duck ’s cries , splashed into the sedges , and swam out and gripped the rat by the neck in bold sharp fangs , and bore both rat and bird , bleeding and dying , to [the land]_{4984-the land} ; [the owner of the mongrel]_{6546-the owner of the mongrel} , [a peasant making ready the ground for colza in [the low‐lying fields]_{6548-the low‐lying fields}]_{6547-a peasant making ready the ground for colza in the low‐lying fields} , snatched the duck from the dog to bear it [home]_497-home for [his]_{6546-the owner of the mongrel} own eating , and kicked [his]_{6546-the owner of the mongrel} poor beast in the ribs for having ventured to stray without leave and to do [him]_{6546-the owner of the mongrel} service without permission . “_[2540-he] The dulcet harmony of [the world]_{268-the world} ’s benignant law ! ” thought [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , as [he]_172-arslàn turned aside to enter the stone archway of [[his]_172-arslàn own desolate dwelling]_{6550-his own desolate dwelling} . “_[1305-one] To live [one]_1305-one must slaughter — what life can [I]_0-her take ? ” At that moment the setting sun pierced the heavy veil of the vapour , and glowed through the fog . [The boat]_{1942-the boat} , now distant , glided for a moment into the ruddy haze , and was visible ; the water around [it]_{1942-the boat} , like a lake of flame , the white steam above it , like the smoke of a sacrifice fire . Then the sun sank , the mists gathered closely once more , all light faded , and the day was dead . [He]_172-arslàn felt stifled and sick at heart as [he]_172-arslàn returned along [the reedy shore]_{6552-the reedy shore} towards [[his]_172-arslàn dreary home]_{6553-his dreary home} . [He]_172-arslàn wondered dully why [his]_172-arslàn life would not end : since [the world]_{268-the world} would have none of [him]_172-arslàn , neither the work of [his]_172-arslàn brain nor the work of [his]_172-arslàn hands , it seemed that [he]_172-arslàn had no place in it . [He]_172-arslàn was half resolved to lie down in [the water there]_{6555-the water there} , amongst [the reeds]_{6556-the reeds} , and let it flow over [his]_172-arslàn face and breast , and kiss [him]_172-arslàn softly and coldly into the sleep of death . [He]_172-arslàn had desired this many times ; what held [him]_172-arslàn back from its indulgence was not “_[1305-one] the child within [us]_2543-us that fears death , ” of which [Plato]_187-plato speaks ; [he]_172-arslàn had no such misgiving in [him]_172-arslàn , and [he]_172-arslàn believed death to be a simple rupture and end of all things , such as [any man]_{4852-any man} had right to seek and summon for [himself]_{4852-any man} ; it was rather that the passion of [his]_172-arslàn art was too strong in [him]_172-arslàn , that the power to create was too intense in [him]_172-arslàn , so that [he]_172-arslàn could not willingly consign the forces and the fantasies of [his]_172-arslàn brain to that annihilation to which [he]_172-arslàn would , without thought or pause , have flung [his]_172-arslàn body . As [he]_172-arslàn entered [the haunted hall]_{6558-the haunted hall} which served [him]_172-arslàn as [[his]_172-arslàn painting‐room]_{6559-his painting‐room} , [he]_172-arslàn saw a fresh fire of logs upon the hearth , whose leaping flames lighted [the place with cheerful colour]_{6560-the place with cheerful colour} , and [he]_172-arslàn saw on the stone bench fresh food , sufficient to last several days , and a brass flagon filled with wine . A curious emotion took possession of [him]_172-arslàn as [he]_172-arslàn looked . It was less surprise at the fact , for [his]_172-arslàn senses told [him]_172-arslàn it was the work of some charity which chose to hide itself , than it was wonder as to who , in [this strange land]_{6561-this strange land} , where none would even let [him]_172-arslàn earn [his]_172-arslàn daily bread , knew enough or cared enough to supply [his]_172-arslàn necessities thus . And with this there arose the same intolerant bitterness of the degradation of alms , the same ungrateful hatred of the succour that seemed to class [him]_172-arslàn amongst [beggars]_1906-beggars , which had moved [him]_172-arslàn when [he]_172-arslàn had awakened with the dawn . [He]_172-arslàn felt neither tenderness nor gratitude , [he]_172-arslàn was only conscious of humiliation . There were in [him]_172-arslàn a certain coldness , strength , and indifference to sympathy , which , whilst they made [his]_172-arslàn greatness as [an artist]_{284-an artist} , made [his]_172-arslàn callousness as [a man]_{4875-a man} . It might have been sweet to [others]_5531-others to find [themselves]_5531-others remembered and pitied by [another]_1475-another at an hour when [their]_5531-others forces were spent , [their]_5531-others fate friendless , and [their]_5531-others hopes all dead . But it was not so to [him]_172-arslàn , [he]_172-arslàn only felt like the desert animal which , wounded , repulses every healing hand , and only seeks to die alone . There was only one vulnerable , one tender nerve in [him]_172-arslàn , and this was the instinct of [his]_172-arslàn genius . [He]_172-arslàn had been nurtured in [hardihood]_58-hardihood , and had drawn in endurance with every breath of [his]_172-arslàn native air ; [he]_172-arslàn would have borne physical ills without one visible pang , and would have been indifferent to all mortal suffering ; but for the powers in [him]_172-arslàn , for the art [he]_172-arslàn adored , [he]_172-arslàn had [a child]_{657-a child} ’s weakness , [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s softness . [He]_172-arslàn could not bear to die without leaving behind [his]_172-arslàn life some work [the world]_{268-the world} would cherish . Call it folly , call it madness , it is both : the ivory Zeus that was to give [its sculptor]_{6570-its sculptor} immortality , lives but in tradition ; the bronze Athene , that was to guard the Piræus in eternal liberty , has long been levelled with the dust ; yet with every age [the artist]_{6434-the artist} still gives life for fame , still cries , “_[1305-one] Let [my]_0-her body perish , but make [my]_0-her work immortal ! ” It was this in [him]_172-arslàn now which stirred [his]_172-arslàn heart with a new and gentler emotion ; emotion which , while half disgust , was also half gladness . The food was alms‐given , since [he]_172-arslàn had not earned it , and yet — by means of this sheer bodily subsistence — it would be possible for [him]_172-arslàn to keep alive those dreams , that strength , by which [he]_172-arslàn still believed it in [him]_172-arslàn to compel [his]_172-arslàn fame from [men]_364-men . [He]_172-arslàn stood before the Phœbus in [Pheræ]_41-pheræ , thinking ; it stung [him]_172-arslàn with a bitter torment ; it humiliated [him]_172-arslàn with a hateful burden — this debt which came [he]_172-arslàn knew not whence , and which [he]_172-arslàn never might be able to repay . And yet [his]_172-arslàn heart was strangely moved ; it seemed to [him]_172-arslàn that the fate which thus wantonly , and with such curious persistence , placed life back into [his]_172-arslàn hands , must needs be one that would bear no common fruit . [He]_172-arslàn opposed [himself]_172-arslàn no more to it . [He]_172-arslàn bent [his]_172-arslàn head and broke bread , and ate and drank of the red wine:—he did not thank [God]_118-god or [man]_4882-man as [he]_172-arslàn broke [his]_172-arslàn fast ; [he]_172-arslàn only looked in the mocking eyes of [Hermes]_164-hermes , and said in [his]_172-arslàn heart : — “_[1305-one] Since [I]_0-her must live , [I]_0-her will triumph ! ” And [Hermes]_164-hermes smiled : [Hermes the wise , who had bought and sold the generations of [men]_364-men so long ago , in the golden age , and who knew so well how [they]_364-men would barter away [their]_364-men greatness and [their]_364-men gladness , and [their]_364-men bodies and [their]_364-men souls , for one sweet strain of [his]_164-hermes hollow reed‐pipe]_{6574-hermes the wise , who had bought and sold the generations of men so long ago , in the golden age , and who knew so well how they would barter away their greatness and their gladness , and their bodies and their souls , for one sweet strain of his hollow reed‐pipe} , for one sweet glance of [his]_164-hermes soulless [Pandora]_186-pandora ’s eyes . [Hermes]_164-hermes — [Hermes the liar]_{6576-hermes the liar} , [Hermes the]_164-hermes wise,—knew how [men]_364-men ’s oaths were kept . AT the close of that day [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} discovered that [he]_{115-claudis flamma} had been robbed — robbed more than once : [he]_{115-claudis flamma} swore and raved and tore [his]_{115-claudis flamma} hair for loss of a little bread and meat and oil and a flagon of red wine . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} did not suspect [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} grand‐daughter]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} ; accusing [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} perpetually of sins of which [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} was innocent , [he]_{115-claudis flamma} did not once associate [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} in thought with the one offence which [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} had committed . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} thought that the window of [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} store‐house]_{6579-his store‐house} had been forced from the exterior ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} made no doubt that [his]_{115-claudis flamma} spoiler was [some vagabond from [one of [the river barges]_{6582-the river barges}]_{6581-one of the river barges}]_{6580-some vagabond from one of the river barges} . By such tramps [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} hen‐house]_{6583-his hen‐house} and [his]_{115-claudis flamma} apple‐lofts had often previously been invaded . [She]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} heard [his]_{115-claudis flamma} lamentations and imprecations in unbroken silence ; [he]_{115-claudis flamma} did not question [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} ; and without a lie [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} was able to keep [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} secret . In [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} own sight [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} had done a foul thing — a thing that [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} own hunger had never induced [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} to do . [She]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} did not seek to reconcile [herself]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} to [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} action by any reflection that [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} had only taken what [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} had really earned a thousand times over by [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} service ; [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} mind was not sufficiently instructed , and was of too truthful a mould to be capable of the deft plea of a sophistry . [She]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} could dare the thing ; and do it , and hold [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} peace about it , though [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} should be scourged to speak ; but [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} could not tamper with it to excuse it to [herself]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} ; for this [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} had neither the cunning nor the cowardice . Why had [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} done it?—done for [a stranger]_{5005-a stranger} what no pressure of need had made [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} do for [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} own wants ? [She]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} did not ask [herself]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} ; [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} followed [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} instinct . [He]_{5005-a stranger} allured [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} with [his]_{5005-a stranger} calm and kingly beauty , which was like nothing else [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} eyes had ever seen ; and [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} was drawn by an irresistible attraction to this life which [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} had bought at the price of [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} own from [the gods]_{1366-the gods} . Yet stronger even than this sudden human passion which had entered into [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} was [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} dread lest [he]_{5005-a stranger} whom [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} had ransomed from death should know of [his]_{5005-a stranger} debt to [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} . Under such a dread , [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} never opened [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} lips to [anyone]_1266-anyone on this thing which [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} had done . Silence was natural to [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} ; [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} spoke so rarely , that [many in [the province]_{5083-the province}]_{6587-many in the province} believed [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} to be dumb ; no sympathy had ever been shown to [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} to woo [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} to disclose either the passions that burnt latent in [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} veins , or the tenderness that trembled stifled in [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} heart . Thrice again did [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} take food and fuel to the water‐tower undetected , both by [the man whom [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} robbed]_{6589-the man whom she robbed} , and [the man whom [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} succoured]_{6590-the man whom she succoured} . Thrice again did [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} find [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} way to [the desolate chamber]_{6591-the desolate chamber} in [[its]_{6591-the desolate chamber} owner]_{6592-its owner} ’s absence and refill the empty platters and warm afresh the cold blank hearth . Thrice again did [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} note the diminution of [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} stores]_{5788-his stores} , and burnish afresh [his]_{115-claudis flamma} old rusty fowling‐piece , and watch half the night on [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} dark staircase]_{6594-his dark staircase} , and prepare with [his]_{115-claudis flamma} own hands a jar of poisoned honey and a bag of poisoned wheat , which [he]_{115-claudis flamma} placed , with a cruel chuckle of grim glee , to tempt the eyes of [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} spoilers]_{6595-his spoilers} . But [the spoiler]_{6596-the spoiler} , being of [[his]_{6596-the spoiler} own household]_{6597-his own household} , saw this trap set , and was aware of it . In a week or two the need for these acts which [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} hated ceased . [She]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} learned that [the stranger for whom [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} thus risked [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} body and soul]_{6598-the stranger for whom she thus risked her body and soul} , had found [a boatman]_{6599-a boatman} ’s work upon [the water]_{265-the water} which , although [a toil rough and rude , and but poorly paid]_{6601-a toil rough and rude , and but poorly paid} , still sufficed to give [him]_{6599-a boatman} bread . Through [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} was [herself]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} so pressed with hunger , many a time , that as [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} went through [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} and [hedgerows]_{6603-hedgerows} [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} was glad to crush in [her]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} teeth the tender shoots of the briars , and the acrid berry of the brambles , [she]_{6578-his grand‐daughter} never again , unbidden , touched so much as a mouldy crust thrown out to be eaten by the poultry . [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , counting [his]_{115-claudis flamma} possessions greedily night and morning , blessed [the saints]_{329-the saints} for the renewed safety of [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} dwelling]_{534-his dwelling} , and cast forth the poisoned wheat as a thank‐offering to [the male birds who were for ever flying to and fro [their]_{6606-the male birds who were for ever flying to and fro their nested mates} nested mates]_{6606-the male birds who were for ever flying to and fro their nested mates} in the leafless boughs above the earliest violets , and whose little throats were strangled even in [their]_{6606-the male birds who were for ever flying to and fro their nested mates} glad flood of nuptial song , and whose soft bright eyes grew dull in death ere even [they]_{6606-the male birds who were for ever flying to and fro their nested mates} had looked upon the springtide sun . For it was ever thus that [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} saw [men]_364-men praise [God]_118-god . [She]_0-her took [their]_364-men death to [her]_0-her own door , sorrowing and full of remorse . “_[0-her] Had [I]_0-her never stolen the food , these birds might never have perished , ” [she]_0-her thought , as [she]_0-her say the rosy throats of the robins and bullfinches turned upward in death on the turf . [She]_0-her blamed [herself]_0-her bitterly with an aching heart . The fatality which makes human crime recoil on [the innocent creatures of [the animal world]_{6609-the animal world}]_{6608-the innocent creatures of the animal world} oppressed [her]_0-her with its heavy and hideous injustice . [[Their]_364-men God]_{1335-their god} was good , [they]_364-men said : yet for [her]_0-her sin and [[her]_0-her grandsire]_{5446-her grandsire} ’s greed the harmless song‐birds died by the score in torment . “_[0-her] How shall [a God]_{942-a god} be good who is not just ? ” [she]_0-her thought . In [this mute young lonely soul of [hers]_0-her]_{6612-this mute young lonely soul of hers} Nature had sown a strong passion for justice , a strong instinct towards what was righteous . As the germ of [a plant born in darkness underground]_{6613-a plant born in darkness underground} will , by sheer instinct , uncurl its colourless tendrils , and thrust them through crevices and dust , and the close structure of mortared stones , until they reach the light and grow green and strong in it , so did [her]_0-her nature strive , of its own accord , through the gloom enveloping it , towards those moral laws which in all ages and [all lands]_{2488-all lands} remain the same , no matter what [deity]_6615-deity be worshipped , or what creed be called the truth . [He]_{1335-their god} nascent mind was darkened , oppressed , bewildered , perplexed , even like the plant which , forcing itself upward from its cellar , opens it leaves not in pure air and under a blue sky , but in the reek and smoke and fœtid odours of [a city]_{6616-a city} . Yet , like the plant , [she]_0-her vaguely felt that light was somewhere ; and as vaguely sought it . With most days [she]_0-her took [[her]_0-her grandsire]_{5446-her grandsire} ’s boat to and fro [the town]_{482-the town} , fetching or carrying ; there was no mode of transit so cheap to [him]_{1335-their god} as this , whose only cost was [her]_0-her fatigue . With each passage up and down [the river]_{356-the river} , [she]_0-her passed by [the dwelling of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn]_{6620-the dwelling of arslàn} . Sometimes [she]_0-her saw [him]_{1335-their god} ; once or twice , in the twilight , [he]_{1335-their god} spoke to [her]_0-her ; [she]_0-her only bent [her]_0-her head to hide [her]_0-her face from [him]_{1335-their god} , and rowed more quickly on [her]_0-her homeward way in silence . At other times , in [his]_{1335-their god} absence , and when [she]_0-her was safe from any detection , [she]_0-her entered [the dismal solitudes where [he]_{1335-their god} laboured]_{6621-the dismal solitudes where he laboured} , and gazed in rapt and awed amazement at the shapes that were shadowed forth upon the walls . The service by which [he]_{1335-their god} gained [his]_{1335-their god} daily bread was on [the waters]_{373-the waters} , and took [him]_{1335-their god} often leagues away — simple hardy toil , amongst [fishers]_2435-fishers and [canal‐carriers]_{6624-canal‐carriers} and [bargemen]_{6625-bargemen} . But it left [him]_{1335-their god} some few days , and all [his]_{1335-their god} nights , free for art ; and never in all the years of [his]_{1335-their god} leisure had [his]_{1335-their god} fancy conceived and [his]_{1335-their god} hand created more exquisite dreams and more splendid phantasies than now in this bitter and cheerless time , when [he]_{1335-their god} laboured amidst the poorest for the bare bread of life . “_[0-her] De belles choses peuvent se faire dans [une cave]_{2545-une cave} ; ” and in truth the gloom of [the cellar]_{6626-the cellar} gives birth to an art more sublime than the light of [the palace]_{6627-the palace} can ever beget . Suffering shortens the years of [the artist]_{6434-the artist} , and kills [him]_{1335-their god} oftentimes ere [his]_{1335-their god} prime be reached ; but in suffering alone are all great works conceived . The senses , the passions , the luxuries , the lusts of the flesh , the delirium of the desires , the colours , the melodies , the fragrance , the indolences,—all that made the mere “_[0-her] living of life ” delightful , all go to enrich and to deepen the human genius which steeps itself in them ; but it is in exile from these that alone it can rise to its greatest . [The grass of [the Holy River]_{6630-the holy river}]_{6629-the grass of the holy river} gathers perfume from the marvelous suns , and the moonless nights , and the gorgeous bloom of [the east]_{5641-the east} , from the aromatic breath of the leopard and the perfume of the fallen pomegranate , and the sacred oil that floats in the lamps , and the caress of [the girl‐bathers]_{6632-the girl‐bathers} ’ feet , and the myrrh‐dropping unguents that glide from [the maidens]_{5036-the maidens} ’ bare limbs in the moonlight,—the grass holds and feeds on [them]_{5036-the maidens} all . But not till the grass has been torn from the roots , and been crushed , and been bruised and destroyed , can the full odours exhale of all it has tasted and treasured . Even the imagination of [man]_4882-man may be great , but it can never be at its greatest until one serpent , with merciless fangs , has bitten it through and through , and impregnated [it]_6635-it with passion and with poison,—that one deathless serpent which is Memory . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had never been more ceaselessly pursued by innumerable phantasies , and never had given to these a more terrible force , a more perfect utterance , than now , when the despair which possessed [him]_172-arslàn was absolute,—when it seemed to [him]_172-arslàn that [he]_172-arslàn had striven in [his]_172-arslàn last strife with fate , and been thrown never to rise again,—when [he]_172-arslàn kept [his]_172-arslàn body alive by such soulless ceaseless labour as that of the oxen in [the fields]_{316-the fields} — when [he]_172-arslàn saw every hour drift by , barren , sullen , painful,—when only some dull yet staunch instinct of virility held [him]_172-arslàn back from taking [his]_172-arslàn own life in the bleak horror of these fruitless days,—when it seemed to [him]_172-arslàn that [his]_172-arslàn oath before [Hermes]_164-hermes , to make [men]_364-men call [him]_172-arslàn famous , was idle as a sigh of a desert wind through the hollow ears of a skull bleaching white on the sand . Yet [he]_172-arslàn had never done greater things — never in the long years through which [he]_172-arslàn had pursued and studied art . With the poor wage that [he]_172-arslàn earned by labour [he]_172-arslàn bought by degrees the tools and pigments lacking to [him]_172-arslàn , and lived on the scantiest and simplest food , that [he]_172-arslàn might have wherewith in order to render into shape and colour the imaginations of [his]_172-arslàn brain . And it was on these that the passionate , wondering , half‐blinded eyes of [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} looked with awe and adoration in those lonely hours when , in [his]_172-arslàn absence , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stole into [[his]_172-arslàn chamber]_{6638-his chamber} , and touching nothing , scarcely daring to breathe aloud , crouched on the bare pavement mute and motionless , and afraid with a fear that was the sweetest happiness [her]_{104-folle‐farine} brief youth had ever known . Though [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} own kind]_{6639-her own kind} had neglected and proscribed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , with one accord , there had been enough in the little world surrounding [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to feed the imaginative senses latent in her,—enough of the old mediæval fancy , of the old ecclesiastical beauty , of the old monastic spirit , to give [her]_{104-folle‐farine} a consciousness , through a dumb one , of the existence of art . Untaught though [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was , and harnessed to the dreary mill‐wheel round of a hard physical toil , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} yet had felt dimly the charm of the place in which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} dwelt . Where the fretted pinnacles rose in hundreds against the sky,—where [the common dwellings of [the poor]_{5743-the poor}]_{6640-the common dwellings of the poor} were panelled and parquetted and carved in a thousand fashions,—where the graceful and the grotesque and the terrible were mingled in an inextricable , and yet exquisite , confusion,—where the grey squat jug that went to the well , and the jolting beam to which the clothes ’ line was fastened , and the creaking sign that swung above the smallest wine‐shop , and the wooden gallery on which [the poorest troll]_{6642-the poorest troll} hung out [her]_{104-folle‐farine} many‐coloured rags , had all some trace of a dead art , some fashioning by a dead hand,—where all these were , it was not possible for any creature dowered by nature with any poetic instinct to remain utterly unmoved and unawakened in [their]_{6639-her own kind} midst . Of the science and the execution of art [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was still absolutely ignorant ; the powers by which it was created still seemed a magic incomprehensible , and not human ; but its meaning [she]_{104-folle‐farine} felt with that intensity which is the truest homage of all homage to its influence . Day after day , therefore , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} returned and gazed on the three gods of forgetfulness , and on all the innumerable forms and fables which bore [them]_{6639-her own kind} company ; the virgin field of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} unfilled mind receiving the seeds of thought and of fancy that were scattered so largely in this solitude , lying waste , bearing no harvest . Of these visits [Arslàn]_172-arslàn [himself]_172-arslàn knew nothing ; towards [him]_172-arslàn [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bold wild temper was softened to the shyness of a doe . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} dreaded lest [he]_172-arslàn should ever learn what [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had done ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stole in and out of [the old granary]_{6643-the old granary} , unseen by all , with the swiftness and the stealthiness which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} shared in common with other untamed animals which , like [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , shunned [all man]_{6644-all man} and [woman kind]_{6645-woman kind} . And this secret — in itself so innocent , yet for which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would at times blush in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} loneliness , with a cruel heat that burnt over all [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face and frame — changed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life , transfigured it from its objectless , passionless , brutish dulness and monotony , into dreams and into desires . For the first time [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} joy and fear ; for the first time [she]_{104-folle‐farine} became human . All the week through [he]_172-arslàn wrought perforce by night ; the great windows stood wide open to the bright cold moons of early spring ; [he]_172-arslàn worked only with black and white using colour only at sunrise , or on the rare days of [his]_172-arslàn leisure . Often at nightfall [she]_{104-folle‐farine} left [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} loft]_{1673-her loft} , as secretly as a fox its lair , and stole down [the river]_{356-the river} , and screened [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} amongst the grasses , and watched [him]_172-arslàn where [he]_172-arslàn laboured in the mingling light of the moon and of the oil‐lamp burning behind [him]_172-arslàn . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw these things grow from beneath [his]_172-arslàn hand , these mighty shapes created by [him]_172-arslàn ; and [he]_172-arslàn seemed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} like [a god]_{942-a god} , with the power to beget worlds at [his]_172-arslàn will , and all human life in its full stature out from a little dust . The contrast of this strength , of this power which [he]_172-arslàn wielded , with the helpless exhaustion of the body in which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had found [him]_172-arslàn dying , smote [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with a sorrow and a sweetness that were like nothing [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had ever known . That [a man]_{4875-a man} could summon hosts at [his]_172-arslàn command like this , yet perish for a crust!—that fusion of omnipotence and powerlessness , which is the saddest and strangest of all the sad strange things of genius , awoke an absorbing emotion in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} dormant heart ! [She]_{104-folle‐farine} watched [him]_172-arslàn thus for hours in the long nights of a slow‐footed spring , in whose mists and chills and heavy dews [her]_{104-folle‐farine} inured frame took no more harm than did the green corn shooting through the furrows . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was a witness to [his]_172-arslàn solitude . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw the fancies of [his]_172-arslàn brain take form . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw the sweep of [his]_172-arslàn arm call up on the blank of the wall , or on the pale spaces of the canvas , these images which for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} had alike such majesty and such mystery . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw the faces beam , the eyes smile , [the dancing‐women]_{6650-the dancing‐women} rise , the foliage uncurl , [the gods]_{1366-the gods} come forth from the temples , the nereids glide through [the moonlit waters]_{6652-the moonlit waters} , at [his]_172-arslàn command , and beneath [his]_172-arslàn touch . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} saw [him]_172-arslàn also in those moments when , conceiving no eyes to be upon [him]_172-arslàn , [this man , whom [mankind]_6446-mankind denied]_{6653-this man , whom mankind denied} , loosened rein to the bitterness in [him]_172-arslàn ; and , standing weary and heartsick before these creations for which [[his]_172-arslàn generation]_{6655-his generation} had no sight , and no homage , let the agony of constant failure , of continual defeat , overcome [him]_172-arslàn , and cursed aloud the madness which possessed [him]_172-arslàn , which drove [him]_172-arslàn on for ever in this ungrateful service , and would not let [him]_172-arslàn do as [other men]_{1870-other men} did — tell [the world]_{268-the world} lies , and take its payment out in gold . Until now [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had hated all things , grieved for none , unless , indeed , it were for a galled ox toiling wounded and tortured on [the field]_{290-the field} ; or a trapped bird , shrieking in [the still midnight woods]_{6659-the still midnight woods} . But now , watching [him]_172-arslàn , hearing [him]_172-arslàn , a passionate sorrow for [a human being]_{6660-a human being} possessed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . And to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes [he]_172-arslàn was so beautiful in that utter unlikeness to [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} and to [all men whom [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had seen]_{6661-all men whom she had seen} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} gazed at [him]_172-arslàn , never weary of that cold , fair , golden beauty , like the beauty of [his]_172-arslàn sun‐god ; of those serene deep‐lidded eyes , which looked so often past [her]_{104-folle‐farine} at the dark night skies ; of those lithe and massive limbs , like the limbs of the gladiator that yonder on the wall strained a lion to [his]_172-arslàn breast in the deadly embrace of combat . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} gazed at [him]_172-arslàn until [she]_{104-folle‐farine} loved [him]_172-arslàn with the intense passion of a young and ignorant life , into whose gloom no love had ever entered . With this love the instinct of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} womanhood arose , amid the ignorance and savagery of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} nature ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} crouched perpetually under the screen of the long grass to hide [her]_{104-folle‐farine} vigil , and whenever [his]_172-arslàn eyes looked from [his]_172-arslàn easel outward to the night [she]_{104-folle‐farine} drew back , breathless and trembling , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew not why , into the deepest shadow . Meantime , with that rude justice which was in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} set [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} atonement for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} fault — the fault through which those tender little bright‐throated birds were stretched dead amongst the first violets of the year . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} laboured harder and longer than ever for [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} task‐master]_{6662-her task‐master} , and denied [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} the larger half of even those scanty portions which were set aside for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} of the daily fare , living on almost nothing , as those learn to do who are reared under the roof of [the French poor]_{6663-the french poor} . To [his]_172-arslàn revilings [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was silent , and under [his]_172-arslàn blows patient . By night [she]_{104-folle‐farine} toiled secretly , until [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had restored the value of that which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had taken . Why did [she]_{104-folle‐farine} do it ? [She]_{104-folle‐farine} could not have told . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was proud of the evil origin [they]_6664-they gave [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had a cynical gladness in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} infamous repute ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} scorned [women]_365-women and hated [men]_364-men ; yet all the same [she]_{104-folle‐farine} kept [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hands pure of thefts and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} lips pure of lies . So the weeks went on till the hardness of winter gave way to the breath of the spring , and in all the wood and [orchard around the water‐mill of Yprès]_{6667-orchard around the water‐mill of yprès} the boughs were green with buds , and [the ground]_{5068-the ground} was pale with primroses — a spring all the sweeter and more fertile because of the severity of the past winter . It became mid‐April . It was market‐day for [all the country lying round that wondrous cathedral‐spire , which shot into the air far‐reaching and ethereal , like some fountain whose column of water had been arrested aloft and changed to ice]_{6669-all the country lying round that wondrous cathedral‐spire , which shot into the air far‐reaching and ethereal , like some fountain whose column of water had been arrested aloft and changed to ice} . [The old quiet town]_{6670-the old quiet town} was busy , with a rich sunshine shed upon [it]_{6670-the old quiet town} , in which the first yellow butterflies of the year had begun to dance . It was high noon , and the highest tide of [the market]_{948-the market} . [Flower‐girls]_{6672-flower‐girls} , [fruit‐girls]_{6673-fruit‐girls} , [egg‐sellers]_{6674-egg‐sellers} , [poultry‐hucksters]_{6675-poultry‐hucksters} , [crowds of [women]_365-women , old and young]_{6676-crowds of women , old and young} , had jolted in on [their]_{6676-crowds of women , old and young} docile asses , throned on [their]_{6676-crowds of women , old and young} sheepskin saddles ; and now , chattering and chaffering , drove fast [their]_{6676-crowds of women , old and young} trade . On the steps of [the cathedral boys]_{6678-the cathedral boys} with birds’‐nests , [knife‐grinders]_{6679-knife‐grinders} making [their]_{6679-knife‐grinders} little wheels fly , [cobblers]_{6680-cobblers} hammering , with boards across [their]_{6679-knife‐grinders} knees , [travelling pedlars with knapsacks full of toys and mirrors , and holy images , and strings of beads]_{6681-travelling pedlars with knapsacks full of toys and mirrors , and holy images , and strings of beads} , sat side by side in amicable competition . Here and there [a priest]_{5464-a priest} passed , with [his]_{5464-a priest} black robe and broad hat , like a dusky mushroom amongst a bed of many‐hued gillyflowers . Here and there [a soldier , all colour and glitter]_{6683-a soldier , all colour and glitter} , showed like a gaudy red tulip in bloom amidst tufts of thyme . The old wrinkled leathern awnings of [the market stalls]_{719-the market stalls} glowed like copper in the brightness of noon . The red tiles of [the houses edging the great square]_{6685-the houses edging the great square} were gilded with yellow houseleeks . [The little children]_{442-the little children} ran hither and thither with big bunches of primroses or sheaves of blue wood hyacinths , singing . The red and blue serges of [the young girls]_{5523-the young girls} ’ bodices were like the gay hues of the anemones in [their]_{5523-the young girls} baskets . The brown faces of [the old dames under the white roofing of]_{6688-the old dames under the white roofing of} [their]_{6688-the old dames under the white roofing of} headgear were like the russet faces of the home‐kept apples which [they]_{6688-the old dames under the white roofing of} had garnered through all the winter . Everywhere in the shade of the flapping leather , and the darkness of the wooden porches , there were the tender blossoms of [the field]_{290-the field} and forest , of the hedge and [garden]_6690-garden . The azure of the hyacinths , the pale saffron of the primroses , the cool hues of the meadow daffodils , the ruby eyes of [the cultured jonquils]_{6691-the cultured jonquils} , gleamed amongst wet rushes , grey herbs , and freshly budded leafage . Plovers ’ eggs nestled in moss‐lined baskets ; sheaves of velvet‐coated wallflowers poured fragrance on the air ; great plumes of lilac nodded on the wind , and amber feathers of laburnum waved above the homelier masses of mint and marjoram , and sage and chervil . It was high noon , but [the women]_{472-the women} still found leisure time to hear the music of [their]_{472-the women} own tongues , loud as the clacking of mill paddles . In one corner [an eager little group]_{6693-an eager little group} was gathered round the stall of a favourite flower‐seller , who wore a bright crimson gown , and a string of large silver beads about [her]_2546-her neck , and a wide linen cap , that shaded [her]_2546-her pretty rosy face as a great snowy mushroom may grow between the sun and a little ruddy wild strawberry . [She]_2546-her had brown eyes that were now brimming over with tears as [she]_2546-her stood surrounded by all the treasures of spring . [She]_2546-her held clasped in [her]_2546-her arms a great pot with a young almond tree growing in it , and [she]_2546-her was weeping as though [her]_2546-her heart would break , because a tile had fallen from a roof above and crushed low all its pink splendour of blossom . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her saw [her]_2546-her look at it , ” [she]_2546-her muttered . “_[2546-her] Look at it as [she]_2546-her passed with [her]_2546-her wicked eyes ; and a black cat on the roof mewed to [her]_2546-her ; and at that moment the tile fell . Oh , [my]_0-her almond tree ; oh , [[my]_0-her little darling]_{2547-my little darling} ; [the only one out of three I saved through the frosts]_{2548-the only one out of three i saved through the frosts} ; the very one that was to have gone this night to [Paris]_10-paris . ” “_[2549-thou] [Thou]_2549-thou art not alone , [Edmée]_188-edmée , ” groaned [an old woman]_{5264-an old woman} , tottering from [her]_{5264-an old woman} nut‐stall with a heap of ruffled , blood‐stained , brown plumage held up in [her]_{5264-an old woman} hand . “_[188-edmée] Look ! As [she]_2546-her went by , [[my]_0-her poor brown hen]_{2550-my poor brown hen} — [the best sitter [I]_0-her have , good for eggs with every sunrise from Lent to [Noel]_59-noel]_{2551-the best sitter i have , good for eggs with every sunrise from lent to noel} — just cackled and shook [her]_{2550-my poor brown hen} tail at [her]_2546-her ; and at the very instant a huge yellow dog rushed in and killed the blessed bird — killed [her]_2546-her in [her]_2546-her basket ! A great yellow beast that [no one]_{264-no one} had ever seen before , and that vanished again into [the earth]_{288-the earth} like lightning . ” “_[2546-her] Not worse than [she]_2546-her did to [my]_0-her precious Rémy , ” said [[a tanner]_{6695-a tanner} ’s wife]_{6696-a tanner ’s wife} , who drew after [her]_0-her , clinging to [her]_0-her skirts , [a little lame , mis‐shapen , querulous child]_{6697-a little lame , mis‐shapen , querulous child} . “_[2546-her] [She]_2546-her hath the evil eye , ” said [an old decrepid man who had served in the days of [[his]_{6698-an old decrepid man who had served in the days of his boyhood in the army of italy , as he sat washing fresh lettuces in a large brass bowl , by his grandson ’s herb‐stall} boyhood in the Army of [Italy]_60-italy]_{6699-his boyhood in the army of italy} , as [he]_{6698-an old decrepid man who had served in the days of his boyhood in the army of italy , as he sat washing fresh lettuces in a large brass bowl , by his grandson ’s herb‐stall} sat washing fresh lettuces in a large brass bowl , by [[his]_{6698-an old decrepid man who had served in the days of his boyhood in the army of italy , as he sat washing fresh lettuces in a large brass bowl , by his grandson ’s herb‐stall} grandson]_{6289-his grandson} ’s herb‐stall]_{6698-an old decrepid man who had served in the days of his boyhood in the army of italy , as he sat washing fresh lettuces in a large brass bowl , by his grandson ’s herb‐stall} . “_[2546-her] [You]_2554-you remember how [we]_2555-we met [her]_2546-her in [the fields]_{316-the fields} last Feast‐night of [the Three Kings]_{2557-the three kings} ? ” asked [a youth looking up from plucking the feathers out from a living , struggling , moaning , goose]_{6701-a youth looking up from plucking the feathers out from a living , struggling , moaning , goose} . “_[2546-her] Coming singling through the fog , like nothing earthly ; and a moment later a torch caught [little Jocelin]_{189-little jocelin} ’s curls and burnt [him]_{189-little jocelin} till [he]_{189-little jocelin} was so hideous that [[his]_{189-little jocelin} mother]_{4997-his mother} could scarce have known [him]_{189-little jocelin} . [You]_2554-you remember ? ” “_[2554-you] Surely [we]_2555-we remember , ” [they]_2555-we cried in a hearty chorus round the broken almond tree . “_[2555-we] Was there not [the good old Dax this very winter]_{2559-the good old dax this very winter} killed by [her]_2546-her if ever and [creature]_{2560-creature} were killed by foul means , though the law would never listen to [the the Flandrins]_{161-the flandrins} when [they]_{161-the flandrins} said so ? ” “_{[161-the flandrins]} And [little Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} , ” added one who had not hitherto spoken . “_{[150-bernardou]} [Little Bernardou]_{150-bernardou} died a month after [his]_{150-bernardou} grandam , in [hospital]_{2561-hospital} . [She]_2546-her had cast [her]_2546-her eye on [him]_{150-bernardou} , and [the poor little lad]_{2562-the poor little lad} never rallied . “ A jettatrice ever brings misfortune , ”_{[2563-the old soldier of napoléon]} muttered [the old soldier of [Napoléon]_61-napoléon]_{2563-the old soldier of napoléon} , washing [his]_{2563-the old soldier of napoléon} last lettuce and lighting a fresh pipe . “ Or does worse , ”_{[2564-the mother of the crippled child]} muttered [the mother of [the crippled child]_{2565-the crippled child}]_{2564-the mother of the crippled child} . “ [She]_2546-her is not for nothing [[the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s daughter]_{1243-the devil ’s daughter} , mark [you]_6704-you . ”_{[2564-the mother of the crippled child]} “ Nay , indeed , ”_{[5264-an old woman]} said [an old woman]_{5264-an old woman} , knitting from a ball of wool with which a kitten played amongst the strewn cabbage leaves and the crushed sweet‐smelling thyme . “ Nay , was it not only this very winter that [[my]_{5041-the youth} son ’s little youngest brother]_{6705-my son ’s little youngest brother} threw a stone at [her]_2546-her , just for luck , as [she]_2546-her went by in [[her]_2546-her boat]_{2090-her boat} through [the town]_{482-the town} ; and it stuck [her]_2546-her and drew blood from [her]_2546-her shoulder ; and that self‐same night a piece of the oaken carvings in the ceiling gave way and dropped upon [the little angel]_{6708-the little angel} as [he]_{6708-the little angel} slept , and broke [his]_{6708-the little angel} arm above the elbow:—she is [a witch]_{5950-a witch} ; there is no question but [she]_{5950-a witch} is [a witch]_{5950-a witch} . ”_{[5041-the youth]} “ If [I]_{5041-the youth} were sure so , [I]_{5041-the youth} would think it well to kill [her]_2546-her , ”_{[5041-the youth]} murmured [the youth]_{5041-the youth} , as [he]_{5041-the youth} stifled the struggling bird between [his]_{5041-the youth} knees . “ [[My]_{2568-a hard‐visaged woman} sister]_{6711-my sister} met [her]_2546-her going through the standing corn last harvest time , and [the child [she]_2546-her brought forth a week after]_{6712-the child she brought forth a week after} was born blind , and is blind now , ”_{[2568-a hard‐visaged woman]} said [a hard‐visaged woman]_{2568-a hard‐visaged woman} , washing turnips in a brass basin of water . “ [I]_{2569-a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble} was [black‐and‐blue]_{6713-black‐and‐blue} for a month when [she]_2546-her threw [me]_{2569-a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble} down and took from [me]_{2569-a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble} that hawk [I]_{2569-a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble} had trapped ; and [she]_2546-her went and fastened [my]_{2569-a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble} wrist in the iron instead , ”_{[2569-a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble]} hissed [a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble]_{2569-a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble} , as [he]_{2569-a boy of twelve , in a shrill piping treble} slit the tongue of a quivering starling . “ [They]_6714-they say [she]_2546-her dances naked by moonlight in the water with [imps]_6715-imps ! ”_{[2570-a bright little lad who was at play with the kitten]} cried [a bright little lad who was at play with the kitten]_{2570-a bright little lad who was at play with the kitten} . “ [She]_2546-her is [a witch]_{5950-a witch} , there is no doubt about that , ”_{[2571-the old woman who sat knitting on the stone bench in the sun]} said again [the old woman who sat knitting on the stone bench in the sun]_{2571-the old woman who sat knitting on the stone bench in the sun} . “ And [[her]_2546-her mother]_{774-her mother} such [a saint]_{4870-a saint} ! ”_{[2572-another old dame who was grouping green herbs together for salads]} sighed [another old dame who was grouping green herbs together for salads]_{2572-another old dame who was grouping green herbs together for salads} . And all the while [the girl Edmée]_{2573-the girl edmée} clasped [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} almond tree and sobbed over it . “ If [she]_{2573-the girl edmée} were only [here]_1434-here , ”_{[2574-edmée ’s lover]} swore [[Edmée]_188-edmée ’s lover]_{2574-edmée ’s lover} , under [his]_{2574-edmée ’s lover} breath , stealing [his]_{2574-edmée ’s lover} hand where the silver beads lay , and striving [his]_{2574-edmée ’s lover} best to console [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} . At that moment [the accused]_{2575-the accused} came towards [them]_2576-their , erect in the full light . [She]_{2573-the girl edmée} had passed through [the market]_{948-the market} with a load of herbs and flowers for [one of [the chief hostelries in [the square]_{5313-the square}]_{2579-the chief hostelries in the square}]_{2578-one of the chief hostelries in the square} , and was returning with the flat broad basket balanced empty on [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} head . Something of [their]_2576-their mutterings and curses reached [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} , but [she]_{2573-the girl edmée} neither hastened nor slackened [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} pace ; [she]_{2573-the girl edmée} came on straightly towards [them]_2576-their with [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} firm step , and [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} eyes flashing hard against the sun . [She]_{2573-the girl edmée} gave no sign that [she]_{2573-the girl edmée} had heard except that the blood darkened a little in [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} cheeks , and [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} mouth shut close with a haughtier scorn . But the sight of [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} answering in that instant to [their]_2576-their hate , the sight of [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} with the sunshine on [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} scarlet sash and [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} slender golden limbs , added impulse to [their]_2576-their rage . [They]_2576-their had talked [themselves]_2576-their into a passionate belief in [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} as a thing hellborn and unclean , that brought all manner of evil fates amongst [them]_2576-their . [They]_2576-their knew that holy water had never reached [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} ; that [a church]_{2581-a church} ’s door had never opened to [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} ; [they]_2576-their had heard [[their]_2576-their children]_{768-their children} hoot [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} many a time unrebuked , [they]_2576-their had always hated [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} with the cruelty begotten by a timid cowardice or a selfish dread . [They]_2576-their were ripe to let [their]_2576-their hate take shape in speech and act . [The lover of [Edmée]_188-edmée]_{2583-the lover of edmée} loosened [his]_{2583-the lover of edmée} hand from the silver beads about [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} throat , and caught up , instead , a stone . “ Let [us]_2576-their see if [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} flesh feel ! ”_{[2583-the lover of edmée]} [he]_{2583-the lover of edmée} cried , and cast it . It fell short of [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} , being ill‐aimed ; [she]_{2573-the girl edmée} did not slacken [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} speed , nor turn out of [her]_{2573-the girl edmée} course ; [she]_{2573-the girl edmée} still came towards [them]_2576-their erect and with an even tread . “ Who lamed [my]_{2585-the cripple ’s mother} Rémy ? ”_{[2585-the cripple ’s mother]} screamed [[the cripple]_{2584-the cripple} ’s mother]_{2585-the cripple ’s mother} . “ Who broke [[my]_{2586-the old woman that sat knitting} grandson]_{6720-my grandson} ’s arm ? ”_{[2586-the old woman that sat knitting]} cackled [the old woman that sat knitting]_{2586-the old woman that sat knitting} . “ Who withered [my]_{2587-the old gardener} peach‐tree ? ”_{[2587-the old gardener]} [the old gardener]_{2587-the old gardener} hooted . “ Who freed [the devil‐bird]_{6721-the devil‐bird} and put [me]_{2588-the boy with the starling} on the trap ? ”_{[2588-the boy with the starling]} yelled [the boy with the starling]_{2588-the boy with the starling} . “ Who flung the tile on the almond ? ”_{[2589-the flower‐girl]} shouted [[the flower‐girl]_{2589-the flower‐girl} ’s lover]_{2590-the flower‐girl ’s lover} . “ Who made [[my]_{2591-the woman , washing in the brazen bowl} sister]_{6711-my sister} bring forth [a little beast , blind as a mole]_{6723-a little beast , blind as a mole} ? ”_{[2591-the woman , washing in the brazen bowl]} shrieked [the woman , washing in the brazen bowl]_{2591-the woman , washing in the brazen bowl} . “ Who is [a witch — who dances naked]_{6724-a witch — who dances naked} ? — who bathes with [devils at the full moon]_{6725-devils at the full moon} ? ”_{[2592-the youth who had plucked the goose bare alive]} cried [the youth who had plucked the goose bare alive]_{2592-the youth who had plucked the goose bare alive} ; and [he]_{2592-the youth who had plucked the goose bare alive} stooped for a pebble , and aimed better than [[his]_{2592-the youth who had plucked the goose bare alive} comrade]_{2593-his comrade} , and flung it at [her]_{2593-his comrade} as [she]_{2593-his comrade} came . “ It is a shame to see [the child of [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma}]_{6726-the child of reine flamma} so dealt with , ”_{[2592-the youth who had plucked the goose bare alive]} murmured the old creature that was grouping [her]_{2593-his comrade} salads . But [her]_{2593-his comrade} voice found no echo . [The old soldier]_{2594-the old soldier} even rebuked [her]_{2593-his comrade} . “ [A jettatrice]_{6727-a jettatrice} should be killed for the good of [the people]_{4948-the people} , ”_{[2594-the old soldier]} [he]_{2594-the old soldier} mumbled . Meanwhile [she]_{2593-his comrade} came nearer and nearer . The last stone had struck [her]_{2593-his comrade} upon the arm ; but it had drawn no blood ; [she]_{2593-his comrade} walked on with firm , slow steps into [their]_2595-their midst ; unfaltering . The courage did not touch [them]_2595-their ; [they]_2595-their thought it only the hardihood of a thing that was [devil‐begotten]_{2596-devil‐begotten} . “ [She]_{2593-his comrade} is always mute like that ; [she]_{2593-his comrade} can not feel . Strike , strike , strike ! ”_{[2585-the cripple ’s mother]} cried [[the cripple]_{2584-the cripple} ’s mother]_{2585-the cripple ’s mother} ; and [the little cripple]_{5393-the little cripple} [himself]_{5393-the little cripple} clapped [his]_{5393-the little cripple} small hands and screamed [his]_{5393-the little cripple} shrill laugh . [The youths , obedient and nothing loth]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} , rained [their]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} stones on [her]_{2593-his comrade} as fast as [their]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} hands could fling [them]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} . Still [she]_{2593-his comrade} neither paused nor quailed ; but came on straightly , steadily , with [her]_{2593-his comrade} face set against the light . [Their]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} impatience and [their]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} eagerness made [their]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} aim uncertain ; the stones fell fast about [her]_{2593-his comrade} on every side , but one alone struck [her]_{2593-his comrade} — a jagged flint that fell where the white linen shirt opened on [her]_{2593-his comrade} chest . It cut the skin , and the blood started ; [the children]_{452-the children} shrieked and danced with delight : [the youths]_{512-the youths} rushed at [her]_{2593-his comrade} inflamed at once with [her]_{2593-his comrade} beauty and [their]_{512-the youths} own savage hate . “ Stone [her]_{2593-his comrade} to death ! stone [her]_{2593-his comrade} to death ! ”_{[2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth]} [they]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} shouted ; [she]_{2593-his comrade} only laughed , and held [her]_{2593-his comrade} head erect and stood motionless where [they]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} arrested [her]_{2593-his comrade} , without the blood once paling in [her]_{2593-his comrade} face or [her]_{2593-his comrade} eyes once losing [their]_{2600-the youths , obedient and nothing loth} luminous calm scorn . [The little cripple]_{5393-the little cripple} clapped [his]_{5393-the little cripple} hands , climbing on [[his]_{5393-the little cripple} mother]_{4997-his mother} ’s back to see the sight , and [[his]_{5393-the little cripple} mother]_{4997-his mother} screamed again and again above [his]_{5393-the little cripple} laughter . “ Strike ! strike ! strike ! ”_{[2606-one of the elder lads]} [One of [the elder lads]_{2607-the elder lads}]_{2606-one of the elder lads} seized [her]_{2593-his comrade} in [his]_{2606-one of the elder lads} arms to force [her]_{2593-his comrade} on [her]_{2593-his comrade} knees while [the others]_{1726-the others} stoned [her]_{2593-his comrade} . The touch of [him]_{2606-one of the elder lads} roused all the fire slumbering in [her]_{2593-his comrade} blood . [She]_{2593-his comrade} twisted [herself]_{2593-his comrade} round in [his]_{2606-one of the elder lads} hold with a movement so rapid that it served to free [her]_{2593-his comrade} ; struck [him]_{2606-one of the elder lads} full on the eyes with [her]_{2593-his comrade} clenched hand a blow that sent [him]_{2606-one of the elder lads} stunned and staggering back ; then , swiftly as lightning flash , drew [her]_{2593-his comrade} knife from [her]_{2593-his comrade} girdle , and striking out with it right and left , dashed through [the people]_{4948-the people} , who scattered from [her]_{2593-his comrade} path as [sheep from the spring of a hound]_{2610-sheep from the spring of a hound} . Slowly and with [her]_{2593-his comrade} face turned full upon [them]_{4948-the people} , [she]_{2593-his comrade} backed [her]_{2593-his comrade} way across [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} . The knife , turned blade outward , was pressed against [her]_{2593-his comrade} chest . [None of [them]_{4948-the people}]_{516-none of them} dared to follow [her]_{2593-his comrade} ; [they]_{4948-the people} thought [her]_{2593-his comrade} invulnerable and possessed . [She]_{2593-his comrade} moved calmly with a firm tread backward — backward — backward ; holding [her]_{2593-his comrade} foes at bay ; the scarlet sash on [her]_{2593-his comrade} loins flashing bright in the sun ; [her]_{2593-his comrade} level brows bent as a tiger bends [his]_2613-his ere [he]_2613-his leaps . [They]_{4948-the people} watched [her]_{2593-his comrade} , huddling together frightened and silent . Even the rabid cries of [[the cripple]_{2584-the cripple} ’s mother]_{2585-the cripple ’s mother} had ceased . On the edge of [the great square]_{2616-the great square} [she]_{2593-his comrade} paused a moment ; the knife still held at [her]_{2593-his comrade} chest , [her]_{2593-his comrade} mouth curled in contemptuous laughter . “ Strike now ! ”_{[2593-his comrade]} [she]_{2593-his comrade} cried to [them]_{4948-the people} ; and [she]_{2593-his comrade} dropped [her]_{2593-his comrade} weapon , and stood still . But there was not one amongst [them]_{4948-the people} who dared lift [his]_{2584-the cripple} hand . There was not so much as a word that answered [her]_{2593-his comrade} . [She]_{2593-his comrade} laughed aloud , and waited for [their]_{4948-the people} attack , while the bell in [the tower above [them]_{4948-the people}]_{2617-the tower above them} tolled loudly the strokes of noon . [[No one]_{264-no one} amongst [them]_{4948-the people}]_{2619-no one amongst them} stirred . Even the shrill pipe of [the lame boy]_{2620-the lame boy} ’s rejoicing had sunk , and was still . At that moment , through the golden haze of sunbeams and of summer dust that hung above [the crowd]_{6083-the crowd} , [she]_{2593-his comrade} saw the red gleam of [the soldiers of [the state]_{2623-the state}]_{2622-the soldiers of the state} ; and [their]_{2622-the soldiers of the state} heavy tramp echoed on the silence as [they]_{2622-the soldiers of the state} hastened to the scene of tumult . [She]_{2593-his comrade} had no faith in any justice which these would deal [her]_{2593-his comrade} ; had [they]_{4948-the people} not once dragged [her]_{2593-his comrade} before the tribunal of [their]_{4948-the people} law when [she]_{2593-his comrade} had forced asunder the iron jaws of that trap in the oak wood to give freedom to the bleeding hawk that was struggling in it whilst its callow birds screamed in hunger in their nest in the branches above ? [She]_{2593-his comrade} had no faith in [them]_{4948-the people} ; nor in any justice of [men]_364-men ; and [she]_{2593-his comrade} turned and went down [a twisting lane shaded from the sun]_{2625-a twisting lane shaded from the sun} , and ran swiftly as a doe through all its turns , and down the steps leading to [the water‐side]_{2626-the water‐side} . There [[her]_{2593-his comrade} boat]_{2090-her boat} was moored ; [she]_{2593-his comrade} entered [it]_{2090-her boat} and pulled [herself]_{2593-his comrade} slowly down [the river]_{356-the river} , which now at noontide was almost deserted , whilst the shutters of [the houses that edged [it]_{356-the river} on either side]_{2629-the houses that edged it on either side} were all closed to keep out the sun . [A boatman]_{6599-a boatman} stretched half asleep upon the sacks in [[his]_{6599-a boatman} barge]_{2631-his barge} ; a horse dozing in [his]_{6599-a boatman} harness on [the towing‐path]_{2632-the towing‐path} ; [a homeless child who had [no one]_{264-no one} to call [him]_{2633-a homeless child who had no one to call him into shelter from the heat , and who sat and dappled his little burning feet in the flowing water} into shelter from the heat , and who sat and dappled [his]_{2633-a homeless child who had no one to call him into shelter from the heat , and who sat and dappled his little burning feet in the flowing water} little burning feet in the flowing water]_{2633-a homeless child who had no one to call him into shelter from the heat , and who sat and dappled his little burning feet in the flowing water} ; these and [their]_2635-their like were all there were here to look on [her]_{2593-his comrade} . [She]_{2593-his comrade} rowed [herself]_{2593-his comrade} feebly , with one oar gradually out of the ways of [the town]_{482-the town} ; [her]_{2593-his comrade} left arm was strained , and , for the moment , useless ; [her]_{2593-his comrade} shoulders throbbed with bruises ; and the wound from the stone still bled . [She]_{2593-his comrade} staunched the blood by degrees , and folded the linen over it , and went on ; [she]_{2593-his comrade} was so used to pain , and so strong , that this seemed to [her]_{2593-his comrade} to be but little . [She]_{2593-his comrade} had passed through similar scenes before , though [the people]_{4948-the people} had rarely broken into such open violence towards [her]_{2593-his comrade} , except that winter ’s day in [the hut of [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax}]_{2207-the hut of manon dax} . The heat was great , though the season was but mid‐April . The sky was cloudless ; the air without a breeze . The white blossoms of peach‐trees bloomed between the old brown walls of [the wooden houses]_{2639-the wooden houses} . In [the galleries]_{2640-the galleries} , between the heads of [saints]_325-saints and the faces of fauns , there were tufts of home‐bred lilies of [the valley]_{6246-the valley} and thick flowering bushes of golden genista . The smell of mignonette was sweet upon the languid breeze , and here and there , from out the darkness of some open casement , some stove‐forced crimson or purple azalea shrub glowed ; for [the people]_{4948-the people} ’s merchandise was flowers , and all the silent water‐streets were made lovely and fragrant by their fair abundance . The tide of [the river]_{356-the river} was flowing in , [the stream]_{374-the stream} was swelling over all the black piles , and the broad smooth strips of sand that were visible at low water ; it floated [[her]_{2593-his comrade} boat]_{2090-her boat} inward with it without trouble , past [the last houses of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{2647-the last houses of the town} , past [the budding orchards and grey stone walls of [the outskirts]_{2650-the outskirts}]_{2649-the budding orchards and grey stone walls of the outskirts} , past [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} and [the corn‐fields]_{2652-the corn‐fields} and the poplars of [the open country]_{5304-the open country} . A certain faintness had stolen on [her]_{2593-his comrade} with the gliding of [the vessel]_{6540-the vessel} and the dizzy movement of the water ; pain and the loss of blood filled [her]_{2593-his comrade} limbs with an unfamiliar weakness ; [she]_{2593-his comrade} felt giddy , and half blind , and almost powerless to guide [her]_{2593-his comrade} course . When [she]_{2593-his comrade} had reached [the old granary]_{6643-the old granary} where it stood amongst the waterdocks and rushes , [she]_{2593-his comrade} checked [the boat]_{1942-the boat} almost unconsciously , and let [it]_{1942-the boat} drift in amidst the reeds and lie there . Then [she]_{2593-his comrade} pulled [herself]_{2593-his comrade} feebly up through [the shallow pools]_{2657-the shallow pools} , and across the stone sill of [the casement]_{2658-the casement} , into [the chamber where [she]_{2593-his comrade} had leaned to live a life that was utterly apart from the actual existence to which chance had doomed [her]_{2593-his comrade}]_{2659-the chamber where she had leaned to live a life that was utterly apart from the actual existence to which chance had doomed her} . It was the height of noon ; at such an hour [the creator of these things [she]_{2593-his comrade} loved]_{2660-the creator of these things she loved} was always absent at the toil which brought [him]_{2660-the creator of these things she loved} [his]_{2660-the creator of these things she loved} daily bread ; [she]_{2593-his comrade} knew that [he]_{2660-the creator of these things she loved} never returned until the evening , never painted except at earliest dawn . [The place]_{342-the place} was [her]_{2593-his comrade} own in the freedom of solitude ; all these shapes and shadows in which imagination and tradition had taken visible shape were free to [her]_{2593-his comrade} ; [she]_{2593-his comrade} had grown to love them with a great passion , to seek [them]_2662-their as [consolers]_{2663-consolers} and as [friends]_4950-friends . [She]_{2593-his comrade} crept into [the room]_{2665-the room} ; [its]_{2665-the room} coolness , [its]_{2665-the room} calm , [its]_{2665-the room} dimmed refreshing light seemed like balm after the noise of the busy market‐place and the glare of the cloudless sunshine . A sick sense of fatigue and of feebleness had assailed [her]_{2593-his comrade} more strongly . [She]_{2593-his comrade} dropped down in the gloom of the place on the broad , cold flags of the floor , in the deepest shadow , where the light from without did not reach , and beneath the cartoon of [the Gods of Oblivion]_{2666-the gods of oblivion} . Of all the forms with which [he]_{2660-the creator of these things she loved} had people its loneliness , these had the most profound influence on [her]_{2593-his comrade} in [their]_2662-their fair , passionless , majestic beauty , in which it seemed to [her]_{2593-his comrade} that [the man who had begotten them]_{2667-the man who had begotten them} had repeated [his]_{2667-the man who had begotten them} own likeness . For [they]_2662-their were all alike , yet unalike ; of the same form and feature , yet different even in [their]_2662-their strong resemblance , like [elder and younger brethren who hold a close companionship]_{2668-elder and younger brethren who hold a close companionship} . For [Hypnos]_165-hypnos was still but [a boy with [his]_{2660-the creator of these things she loved} blue‐veined eyelids closed , and [his]_{2660-the creator of these things she loved} mouth rosy and parted like that of [a slumbering child]_{2670-a slumbering child}]_{2669-a boy with his blue‐veined eyelids closed , and his mouth rosy and parted like that of a slumbering child} , and above [his]_{2660-the creator of these things she loved} golden head a star rose in the purple night . [Oneiros]_166-oneiros standing next was [a youth whose eyes smiled as though [they]_2672-they beheld visions that were welcome to [him]_{2671-a youth whose eyes smiled as though they beheld visions that were welcome to him}]_{2671-a youth whose eyes smiled as though they beheld visions that were welcome to him} ; in [his]_{2671-a youth whose eyes smiled as though they beheld visions that were welcome to him} hand , amongst the white roses , [he]_{2671-a youth whose eyes smiled as though they beheld visions that were welcome to him} held a black wand of sorcery , and around [his]_{2671-a youth whose eyes smiled as though they beheld visions that were welcome to him} bended head there hovered a dim silvery nimbus . [Thanatos]_167-thanatos alone was [a man full grown]_{2673-a man full grown} ; and on [his]_167-thanatos calm and colourless face there were blended an unutterable sadness , and an unspeakable peace ; [his]_167-thanatos eyes were fathomless , far‐reaching , heavy laden with thought , as though [they]_2672-they had seen at once [the heights of heaven]_{2674-the heights of heaven} and [the depths of hell]_{2675-the depths of hell} ; and [he]_167-thanatos , having thus seen , and knowing all things , had leaned that there was but one good possible in all the universe,—that one gift which [his]_167-thanatos touch gave , and which [men]_364-men in [their]_364-men blindness shuddered from and cursed . And above [him]_167-thanatos and around [him]_167-thanatos there was a great darkness . So [the gods]_{1366-the gods} stood , and so [they]_{1366-the gods} spoke , even to [her]_2678-her ; [they]_{1366-the gods} seemed to [her]_2678-her as [brethren]_837-brethren , [masters]_2680-masters , [friends]_4950-friends — [these three immortals who looked down on [her]_2678-her in [their]_{2682-these three immortals who looked down on her in their mute majesty} mute majesty]_{2682-these three immortals who looked down on her in their mute majesty} . [They]_{1366-the gods} are [the gods of [the poor]_{5743-the poor}]_{2683-the gods of the poor} , of the wretched , of [the outcast]_{2685-the outcast} , of [the proscribed,—they]_{2686-the proscribed,—they} are the gods who respect not [persons nor]_{2687-persons nor} [palaces,—who]_{190-palaces,—who} stay with [the exile]_{2688-the exile} and flee from the king,—who leave [the tyrant of [the world]_{268-the world}]_{2689-the tyrant of the world} to writhe in torment , and call a smile beautiful as the morning on the face of [a beggar child,—who]_{2691-a beggar child,—who} turn from the purple beds where wealth and lust and brutal power lie , and fill with purest visions the darkest hours of the loneliest nights , for genius and youth,—they are [the gods of consolation and of compensation,—the gods of the exile]_{2692-the gods of consolation and of compensation,—the gods of the exile} , of [the orphan]_{2693-the orphan} , of [the outcasts]_{2694-the outcasts} , of [the poet]_{5589-the poet} , of [the prophet , of all whose bodies ache with the infinite pangs of famine , and whose hearts ache with the infinite woes of]_{2696-the prophet , of all whose bodies ache with the infinite pangs of famine , and whose hearts ache with the infinite woes of} [the world]_{268-the world} , of [all who hunger with the body or the soul]_{2698-all who hunger with the body or the soul} . And looking at [them]_{1366-the gods} , [she]_2699-her seemed to know [them]_{1366-the gods} as [her]_2699-her only friends,—as [the only rulers who ever could loose the bands of [her]_2699-her fate and lead [her]_2699-her forth to freedom]_{2700-the only rulers who ever could loose the bands of her fate and lead her forth to freedom} — Sleep , and Dreams , and Death . [They]_{1366-the gods} were above [her]_2699-her where [she]_2699-her sank upon the stone floor ; the shadows were dark upon the ground ; but the sun rays striking through the distant window against the opposite wall fell across the head of [the boy Hypnos]_{2701-the boy hypnos} , and played before [his]_{2701-the boy hypnos} silver sandalled feet . [She]_2699-her sat gazing at [him]_{2701-the boy hypnos} , forgetful of [her]_2699-her woe , [her]_2699-her task , [the populace that had hooted [her]_2699-her abroad]_{2702-the populace that had hooted her abroad} , the stripes that awaited [her]_2699-her at [home]_497-home . The answering gaze of [the god]_{6183-the god} magnetised [her]_2699-her ; the poetic virus which had stirred dumbly in [her]_2699-her from [her]_2699-her birth awoke in [her]_2699-her bewildered brain . Without knowing what [she]_2699-her wanted , [she]_2699-her longed for freedom , for light , for passion , for peace , for love . Shadowy fancies passed over [her]_2699-her in a tumultuous pageantry ; the higher instincts of [her]_2699-her nature rose and struggle to burst the bonds in which slavery and ignorance and brutish toil had bound [them]_2705-them ; [she]_2699-her knew nothing , knew no more than the grass knew that blew in the wind , than the passion‐flower knew that slept unborn in the uncurled leaf ; and yet withal [she]_2699-her felt , saw , trembled , imagined , and desired , all mutely , all blindly , all in confusion and in pain . For the second time the weakness of tears rushed into [her]_2699-her fearless eyes , which had never quailed before the fury of any living thing ; [her]_2699-her head fell on [her]_2699-her chest ; [she]_2699-her wept bitterly,—not because [the people]_{4948-the people} had injured [her,—not]_{2707-her,—not} because [her]_2699-her wounded flesh ached and [her]_2699-her limbs were sore,—but because a distance so immeasurable , so unalterable , severed [her]_2699-her from all of which [these gods]_{2708-these gods} told [her]_2699-her without speech . The sun‐rays still shone on the bright head of [Hypnos]_165-hypnos , while the stones on which [she]_2699-her sat , and [her]_2699-her own form , were dark in shadow ; as though [the bright boy]_{2709-the bright boy} pitied [her]_2699-her , as though [he]_{2709-the bright boy} , [[the world]_{268-the world} ’s consoler]_{2711-the world ’s consoler} , had compassion for this thing so lonely and accursed of [her]_2699-her kind , the dumb violence of [her]_2699-her weeping brought its own exhaustion with it . The drowsy heat of noon , pain , weariness , the faintness of fasting , the fatigue of conflict , the dreamy influences of [that place]_{310-that place} , had their weight on [her]_2699-her . Crouching there half on [her]_2699-her knees , looking up ever in the faces of [the three Immortals]_{2713-the three immortals} , the gift of [Hypnos]_165-hypnos descended upon [her]_2699-her and stilled [her]_2699-her ; its languor stole through [her]_2699-her veins ; its gentle pressure closed [her]_2699-her eyelids ; gradually [her]_2699-her rigid limbs and [her]_2699-her bent body relaxed and unnerved ; [she]_2699-her sank forward , [her]_2699-her head lying on [her]_2699-her outstretched arms , and the stillness of a profound sleep encompassed [her]_2699-her . And [Oneiros]_166-oneiros added [his]_166-oneiros gift also ; and a throng of dim , delirious dreams floated through [her]_2699-her brain , and peopled [her]_2699-her slumber with fairer things than [the earth]_{288-the earth} holds , and made [her]_2699-her mouth smile while yet [her]_2699-her lids were wet . [Thanatos]_167-thanatos alone gave nothing , but looked down on [her]_2699-her with [his]_167-thanatos dark , sad eyes , and held [his]_167-thanatos finger on [his]_167-thanatos close‐pressed lips , as though [he]_167-thanatos said:—“Not yet . ”_{[167-thanatos]} [HER]_2699-her sleep remained unbroken ; there was no sound to disturb it . The caw of a rook in the top of the poplar‐tree , the rushing babble of the water , the cry of a field‐mouse caught amongst the rushes by an otter , the far‐off jingle of mules ’ bells from [the great southern road]_{2715-the great southern road} that ran broad and white beyond [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} , the gnawing of the rats in the network of timbers which formed the vaulted roof , these were all the noises that reached [this solitary place]_{2717-this solitary place} , and these were both too faint and too familiar to awaken [her]_2699-her . Heat and pain made [her]_2699-her slumber heavy , and the forms on which [her]_2699-her waking eyes had gazed made [her]_2699-her sleep full of dreams . Hour after hour went by ; the shadows lengthened , the day advanced : nothing came to rouse [her]_2699-her . At length the vesper bell rang over [the pastures]_{2718-the pastures} and the peals of [the Ave Maria]_{2719-the ave maria} from [the cathedral in [the town]_{482-the town}]_{2720-the cathedral in the town} were audible in the intense stillness that reigned around . As the chimes died , [Arslàn]_172-arslàn crossed the threshold of [the granary]_{542-the granary} and entered [the desolate place where [he]_172-arslàn had made [[his]_172-arslàn home]_{2724-his home}]_{2723-the desolate place where he had made his home} . For once [his]_172-arslàn labour had been early completed , and [he]_172-arslàn had hastened to employ the rare and precious moments of the remaining light . [He]_172-arslàn had almost stepped upon [her]_2699-her ere [he]_172-arslàn saw [her]_2699-her , lying beneath [his]_172-arslàn cartoons of [the sons of [Nyx]_191-nyx]_{2725-the sons of nyx} . [He]_172-arslàn paused and looked down . [Her]_2699-her attitude had slightly changed , and had in it all the abandonment of youth and of sleep ; [her]_2699-her face was turned upward , with quick silent breathings parting the lips ; [her]_2699-her bare feet were lightly crossed ; the linen of [her]_2699-her loose tunic was open at the throat , and had fallen back from [her]_2699-her right arm and shoulder : the whole supple grace and force that were mingled in [her]_2699-her form were visible under the light folds of [her]_2699-her simple garments . The sun still lingered on the bright bowed head of [Hypnos]_165-hypnos , but all light had died from off the stone floor where [she]_2699-her was stretched . As [she]_2699-her had once looked on [himself]_172-arslàn , so [he]_172-arslàn now looked on [her]_2699-her . But in [him]_172-arslàn there arose little curiosity and still less pity ; [he]_172-arslàn recognized [her]_2699-her as [the girl whom , with the face of [old Egypt]_1-egypt]_{2726-the girl whom , with the face of old egypt} , [he]_172-arslàn had seen rowing [[her]_2699-her boat‐load of corn]_{2727-her boat‐load of corn} down [the river]_{356-the river} , and whom [he]_172-arslàn had noticed for [her]_2699-her strange unlikeness to all around [her]_2699-her . [He]_172-arslàn supposed that mere curiosity had brought [her]_2699-her [there]_439-there , and sleep overtaken [her]_2699-her in the drowsiness of the first heat of the budding year . [He]_172-arslàn did not seek to rouse [her]_2699-her , nor to spare [her]_2699-her any shame or pain which at [her]_2699-her waking , [she]_2699-her might feel . [He]_172-arslàn merely saw in [her]_2699-her a barbaric and yet beautiful creature ; and [his]_172-arslàn only desire was to use the strange charms in [her]_2699-her for [his]_172-arslàn art . A smooth‐planed panel stood on an easel near ; turning it where best the light fell , [he]_172-arslàn began to sketch [her]_2699-her attitude rapidly , in black and white . It was quickly done by [a hand so long accustomed to make such transcripts]_{2730-a hand so long accustomed to make such transcripts} ; and [he]_172-arslàn soon went further to that richer portraiture which colour alone can accomplish . The stone pavement ; the brown and slender limbs ; the breadth of scarlet given by the sash about [her]_2699-her loins ; the upturned face , whose bloom was as brilliant as that of a red carnation blooming in the twilight of [some old wooden gallery]_{2731-some old wooden gallery} ; the eyelids , tear‐laden still ; the mouth that smiled and sighed in dreaming ; on the wall above , the radiant figure of [the young god which remained in full sunlight]_{2732-the young god which remained in full sunlight} whilst all beneath was dark;—these gave a picture which required no correction from knowledge , no addition from art . [He]_172-arslàn worked on for more than an hour , until the wood began to beam with something of the hues of flesh and blood , and the whole head was thrown out in colour , although the body and the limbs still remained in their mere outline . Once or twice [she]_2699-her moved restlessly , and muttered a little , dully , as though the perpetual unsparing gaze bent on [her]_2699-her with a scrutiny so cold , and yet so searching , disturbed or magnetized [her]_2699-her even in [her]_2699-her sleep . But [she]_2699-her never awakened , and [he]_172-arslàn had time to study and to trace every curve and line of the half‐developed loveliness before [him]_172-arslàn with as little as pity , with as cruel an exactitude , as that with which [the vivisector]_{2733-the vivisector} tears asunder the living animal whose sinews [he]_172-arslàn severs , or [the botanist]_{2734-the botanist} plucks to pieces the new‐born flower whose structures [he]_172-arslàn desires to examine . [The most beautiful women , who had bared [their]_{2735-the most beautiful women , who had bared their charms that the might see them live again upon his canvas} charms that the might see [them]_{2735-the most beautiful women , who had bared their charms that the might see them live again upon his canvas} live again upon [his]_172-arslàn canvas]_{2735-the most beautiful women , who had bared their charms that the might see them live again upon his canvas} , had seldom had power to make [his]_172-arslàn hand tremble a moment in such translation . To [the surgeon]_{6370-the surgeon} all sex is dead , all charm is gone from the female corpse that [his]_172-arslàn knife ravages in search of the secrets of science ; and to [Arslàn]_172-arslàn [the women whom [he]_172-arslàn modelled and pourtrayed]_{2737-the women whom he modelled and pourtrayed} were nearly as sexless , nearly as powerless to create passion or emotion . [They]_{2737-the women whom he modelled and pourtrayed} were the tools of [his]_172-arslàn art ; no more . When , in the isolation of the long northern winters , [he]_172-arslàn had sat beside the pine‐wood that blazed on [his]_172-arslàn hearth while the wolves howled down [the deserted village street]_{2738-the deserted village street} , and the snow drifted up and blocked from sight the last pane of the lattice and the last glimpse of [the outer world]_{2283-the outer world} , [he]_172-arslàn had been more enamoured of the visions that visited [him]_172-arslàn in that solitude than [he]_172-arslàn had ever been since of the living creatures whose beauty [he]_172-arslàn recorded in [his]_172-arslàn works . [He]_172-arslàn had little passion in [him]_172-arslàn , or passion was dormant ; and [he]_172-arslàn had sought [women]_365-women , even in the hours of love , with coldness and with something of contempt for that licence which , in the days of [his]_172-arslàn comparative affluence , [he]_172-arslàn had not denied [himself]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn thought always — De ces basiers puissants comme un dictame , De ces transports plus vifs que des rayons , Que reste‐t‐il ? C’est affruex , ô mon âme!Rien qu’un dessin fort pâle aux trois crayons . ” And for those glowing colours of passion which burned so hotly for an instant , only so soon to fade out into the pallor of indifference or satiety , [he]_172-arslàn had a contempt which almost took the place and the semblance of chastity . [He]_172-arslàn worked on and on , studying the sleeper at [his]_172-arslàn feet , with the passionless keenness of a science that was as merciless in its way as the science which tortures and slaughters in order to penetrate the mysteries of sentient existence . [She]_6729-her was beautiful in [her]_6729-her way , [this dark strange foreign child , who looked as though [[her]_6729-her native home]_{6731-her native home} must have been where [the Nile lily]_{62-the nile lily} blooms , and the black brows of the Sphinx are bent against the sun]_{6730-this dark strange foreign child , who looked as though her native home must have been where the nile lily blooms , and the black brows of the sphinx are bent against the sun} . [She]_6729-her was beautiful , like a young leopard , like a young python , coiled there , lightly breathing , and mute and motionless and unconscious . [He]_172-arslàn painted [her]_6729-her as [he]_172-arslàn would have painted the leopard or python lying asleep in the heavy hush of a noon in [the tropics]_{6732-the tropics} . And [she]_6729-her was no more to [him]_172-arslàn than these would have been . The shadows grew longer ; the sunlight died off the bright head of [the boy Hypnos]_{2701-the boy hypnos} ; the feathery reeds on [the bank]_{2255-the bank} without got a red flush from [the west]_{2138-the west} ; there came a sudden burst of song from [a boat‐load of [children]_366-children]_{6736-a boat‐load of children} going [home]_497-home from [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} where [they]_{6736-a boat‐load of children} had gathered the first cowslips of the season in great sheaves that sent [their]_{6736-a boat‐load of children} sweetness on the air though the open window as [they]_{6736-a boat‐load of children} went by beneath the walls . The shouts of the joyous singing rang shrilly through the silence ; they pierced [her]_6729-her ear and startled [her]_6729-her from [her]_6729-her slumber ; [she]_6729-her sprang up suddenly , with a bound like [a hart that scents the hounds]_{6740-a hart that scents the hounds} , and stood fronting [him]_172-arslàn ; [her]_6729-her eyes opened wide , [her]_6729-her breath panting , [her]_6729-her nerves strained to listen and striving to combat . In the first bewildered instant of [her]_6729-her awakening [she]_6729-her 0 thought that [she]_6729-her was still in [the market‐place of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{6741-the market‐place of the town} and that the shouts were from the clamour of [[her]_6729-her late tormenters]_{6743-her late tormenters} . [He]_172-arslàn turned and looked at [her]_2741-her . “_[2741-her] What do [you]_2741-her fear ? ” [he]_172-arslàn asked [her]_2741-her , in the tongue of [the country]_{751-the country} . [She]_2741-her started afresh at the sound of [his]_172-arslàn voice , and drew [her]_2741-her disordered dress together , and stood mute , with [her]_2741-her hands crossed on [her]_2741-her bosom , and the blood coming and going under [her]_2741-her transparent skin . “_[2741-her] What do [you]_2741-her fear ? ” [he]_172-arslàn asked again . “_[2741-her] [I]_0-her fear ? ” [She]_2741-her echoed [his]_172-arslàn cowardly word with a half‐tremulous defiance ; the heroism of [her]_2741-her nature , which an hour earlier had been lashed to its fullest strength , cast back the question as an insult ; but [her]_2741-her voice was low and husky , and the blood dyed [her]_2741-her face scarlet as [she]_2741-her spoke . For [she]_2741-her feared [him]_172-arslàn ; and for the moment [she]_2741-her had forgotten how [she]_2741-her had come [there]_439-there and all that had passed , except that some instinct of the long‐hunted animal was astir in [her]_2741-her to hide [herself]_2741-her and fly . But [he]_172-arslàn stood between [her]_2741-her and [the passage outward]_{6746-the passage outward} , and pride and shame held [her]_2741-her motionless . Moreover , [she]_2741-her still listened intently : the confused voices of [the children]_{452-the children} still seemed to [her]_2741-her like those of [the multitude by whom [she]_2741-her had been chased]_{6748-the multitude by whom she had been chased} ; and [she]_2741-her was ready to leap tiger‐like upon [them]_{452-the children} , rather than let [them]_{452-the children} degrade [her]_2741-her in [his]_172-arslàn sight . [He]_172-arslàn looked at [her]_2741-her with some touch of interest : [she]_2741-her was to [him]_172-arslàn only [some stray beggar girl , who had trespassed into [his]_172-arslàn solitude]_{6749-some stray beggar girl , who had trespassed into his solitude} ; yet there was that in [her]_2741-her untamed regard , in [her]_2741-her wide open eyes , in the stag‐like grace of [her]_2741-her attitude , in the sullen strength which spoke in [her]_2741-her reply , that warmed [him]_172-arslàn to closer notice of all these . “_[0-her] Why are [you]_2742-you in [this place]_{2743-this place} ? ” [he]_172-arslàn asked [her]_2741-her , slowly . “_[2742-you] [You]_2742-you were asleep here when [I]_0-her came , more than an hour ago . ” The colour burned in [her]_2741-her face ; [she]_2741-her said nothing . The singing of [the children]_{452-the children} was waxing fainter , as [the boat]_{1942-the boat} floated from beneath the wall on its homeward way into [the town]_{482-the town} . [She]_2741-her ceased to fancy these cries the cries of [[her]_2741-her foes]_{1551-her foes} , and recollection began to revive in [her]_2741-her . “_[2742-you] Why did [you]_2742-you come ? ” [he]_172-arslàn repeated , musing how [he]_172-arslàn should persuade [her]_2741-her to return to the attitude sketched out upon the easel . [She]_2741-her returned [his]_172-arslàn look with the bold truthfulness natural to [her]_2741-her , joined with that apprehensiveness of chastisement which becomes second nature to every creature that is for ever censured , cursed , and beaten for every real or imagined fault . “_[2742-you] [I]_0-her came to see those , ” [she]_2741-her answered [him]_172-arslàn , with a backward movement of [her]_2741-her hand , which had a sort of reverence in it , up to the forms of [the gods above [her]_2741-her]_{6754-the gods above her} . The answer moved [him]_172-arslàn ; [he]_172-arslàn had not thought to find a feeling so high as this in [this ragged , lonely , sunburnt child]_{6755-this ragged , lonely , sunburnt child} ; and , to [the man for whom , throughout [a youth of ambition and of disappointment , the world]_{6757-a youth of ambition and of disappointment , the world} had never found the voice of favour , even so much appreciation as lay in [this outcast]_{6758-this outcast} ’s]_{6756-the man for whom , throughout a youth of ambition and of disappointment , the world had never found the voice of favour , even so much appreciation as lay in this outcast ’s} homage had its certain sweetness . For [a man]_{4875-a man} may be negligent of all sympathy for [himself]_{4875-a man} , yet never , if [he]_{4875-a man} be [poet]_6760-poet or [artist]_6761-artist , will [he]_{4875-a man} be able utterly to teach [himself]_{4875-a man} indifference to all sympathy for [his]_{4875-a man} works . “_[0-her] Those ! ” [he]_172-arslàn echoed , in surprise . “_[2744-they] What can [they]_2744-they be to [you]_2745-you ? ” [She]_2741-her coloured at the unconcealed contempt that lay in [his]_172-arslàn last word ; [her]_2741-her head drooped ; [she]_2741-her knew that they were much to [her]_2741-her — [friends]_4950-friends , [masters]_2680-masters , [teachers]_{6764-teachers} divine and full of pity . But [she]_2741-her had no language in which to tell [him]_172-arslàn this ; and if [she]_2741-her could have told [him]_172-arslàn , [she]_2741-her would have been ashamed . Also , the remembrance of those benefits to [him]_172-arslàn , of which [he]_172-arslàn was ignorant , had now come to [her]_2741-her through the bewilderment of [her]_2741-her thoughts , and it locked [her]_2741-her lips to silence . [Her]_2741-her eyes dropped under [his]_172-arslàn ; the strange love [she]_2741-her bore [him]_172-arslàn made [her]_2741-her blind and giddy and afraid ; [she]_2741-her moved restlessly , glaring round with the half‐timid , half‐fierce glances of [a wild animal that desires to escape and can not]_{6765-a wild animal that desires to escape and can not} . Watching [her]_2741-her more closely , [he]_172-arslàn noticed for the first time the stains of blood upon [her]_2741-her shoulder , and the bruise on [her]_2741-her chest , where the rent in [her]_2741-her linen left it bare . “_[2744-they] [You]_2746-you have been hurt ? ” [he]_172-arslàn asked [her]_2741-her , “_[2746-you] or wounded ? ” [She]_2741-her shook [her]_2741-her head . “_{[4948-the people]} It is nothing . ” “_{[4948-the people]} Nothing ? [You]_2746-you have fallen or been ill treated , surely ? ” “_{[4948-the people]} [The people]_{4948-the people} struck [me]_0-her . ” “_{[4948-the people]} Struck [you]_2746-you ? With what ? ” “_{[4948-the people]} Stones . ” “_{[4948-the people]} And why ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her am [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” [She]_2741-her answered [him]_172-arslàn with the quiet calm of one who offers an all‐sufficient reply . But the reply to [him]_172-arslàn told nothing : [he]_172-arslàn had been too shunned by [the populace]_{5247-the populace} , who dreaded the evil genius which [they]_{5247-the populace} attributed to [him]_172-arslàn , to have been told by [them]_{5247-the populace} of [their]_{5247-the populace} fancies and follies ; and [he]_172-arslàn had never essayed to engage either [their]_{5247-the populace} companionship or [their]_{5247-the populace} confidence . To be left to work , or to die , in solitude undisturbed was the uttermost that [he]_172-arslàn had ever asked of [any strange people amidst whom [he]_172-arslàn had dwelt]_{6767-any strange people amidst whom he had dwelt} . “_[0-her] Because [you]_0-her are [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ? ” [he]_172-arslàn repeated . “_[0-her] Is that a reason to hate [you]_0-her ? ” [She]_0-her gave a gesture of assent . “_[0-her] And [you]_0-her hate [them]_2748-them in return ? ” [She]_0-her paused a moment , glancing still hither and thither all round , as a trapped bird glances , seeking [his]_172-arslàn way outward . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her think so , ” [she]_0-her muttered ; “_[0-her] and yet — [I]_0-her have had [[their]_2748-them little children]_{2749-their little children} in [my]_0-her reach , many a time by the water when [the woods]_{344-the woods} were all quiet , and [I]_0-her have never killed one yet . ” [He]_172-arslàn looked at [her]_0-her more earnestly than [he]_172-arslàn had done before . The repressed passion that glanced under [her]_0-her straight dusky brows , the unspoken scorn which curled on [her]_0-her mouth , the nervous meaning with which [her]_0-her hands clenched on the folds of linen on [her]_0-her breast , attracted [him]_172-arslàn ; there was a force in them all which aroused [his]_172-arslàn attention . There were in [her]_0-her that conscious power for ferocity , and that contemptuous abstinence from its exercise , which lie so often in the fathomless regard of the lion ; [he]_172-arslàn moved nearer to [her]_0-her , and addressed [her]_0-her more gently . “_[0-her] Who are [you]_0-her ? ” [he]_172-arslàn asked , “_[0-her] and why have [these people]_{5831-these people} such savage violence against [you]_0-her ? ” “_{[5831-these people]} [I]_0-her am [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , ” [she]_0-her answered [him]_172-arslàn again , unable to add anything else . “_[0-her] Have [you]_0-her no other name ? ” “_[0-her] No . ” “_[0-her] But [you]_0-her must have [a home]_{2752-a home} ? [You]_0-her live — where ? ” “_[0-her] [At [the mill]_{281-the mill} with [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma}]_{2753-at the mill with flamma} . ” “_[0-her] Does [he]_2755-he also ill‐use [you]_0-her ? ” “_[2755-he] [He]_2755-he beats [me]_0-her . ” “_[2755-he] When [you]_0-her do wrong ? ” [She]_0-her was silent . “_[0-her] Wrong ? ” “_[0-her] Right ? ” They were but words to [her]_0-her — empty and meaningless . [She]_0-her knew that [he]_2755-he beat [her]_0-her more often because [she]_0-her told truth or refused to cheat . For aught that [she]_0-her was sure of , [she]_0-her might be wrong , and [he]_2755-he right . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn looked at [her]_0-her musingly . All the thought [he]_2755-he had was to induce [her]_0-her to return to the attitude necessary to the completion of [his]_2755-he picture . [He]_2755-he put a few more questions to [her]_0-her ; but the replies told [him]_2755-he little . At all times silent , before [him]_2755-he a thousand emotions held [her]_0-her dumb . [She]_0-her was afraid , besides , that at every word [he]_2755-he might suspect the debt [he]_2755-he owed to [her]_0-her , and [she]_0-her dreaded its avowal with as passionate a fear as though , in lieu of the highest sacrifice and service , [her]_0-her action had been some crime against [him]_2755-he . [She]_0-her felt ashamed of it , as of some unholy thing ; it seemed to [her]_0-her impious to have dared to give [him]_2755-he back a life that [he]_2755-he had wearied of , and might have wished to lose . “_[2756-he] [He]_2756-he must never know : [he]_2756-he must never know , ” [she]_0-her said to [herself]_0-her . [She]_0-her had never imagined what fear meant until [she]_0-her had looked on [this man]_{1234-this man} ’s face . Now [she]_0-her dreaded , with an apprehension which made [her]_0-her start like [a criminal at every sound]_{6769-a criminal at every sound} , lest [he]_2755-he should ever know of this gift of life which , unbidden , [she]_0-her had restored to [him]_2755-he : which , being thus given , [her]_0-her instinct told [her]_0-her [he]_2755-he would only take as the burden of an intolerable debt , of an unmeasurable shame . Perfect love casts out fear , runs the tradition ; rather , surely , does the perfect love of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} break the courage which [no other thing]_{6771-no other thing} could ever daunt , and set foot on the neck that [no other yoke]_{6772-no other yoke} would ever touch . By slow degrees [he]_2755-he got from [her]_0-her such fragments of [her]_0-her obscure story as [she]_0-her knew . That [this child , so friendless , ill‐treated , and abandoned]_{6773-this child , so friendless , ill‐treated , and abandoned} , had been the saviour of [his]_2755-he own existence , [he]_2755-he never dreamed . [A creature beaten and half starved]_{6774-a creature beaten and half starved} [herself]_0-her could not , for an instant , look to [him]_2755-he one likely to have possessed even such humble gifts as food and fuel . Besides , [his]_2755-he thoughts were less with [her]_0-her than with the interrupted study on [his]_2755-he easel , and [his]_2755-he one desire was to induce [her]_0-her to endure the same watch upon [her]_0-her , waking , which had had power to disturb [her]_0-her even in [her]_0-her unconsciousness . [She]_0-her was nothing to [him]_2755-he , save a thing that [he]_2755-he wished to turn to the purpose of [his]_2755-he art — like a flower that [he]_2755-he plucked on [his]_2755-he way through [the fields]_{316-the fields} , for the sake of its colour , to fill in some vacant nook in [a mountain foreground]_{6776-a mountain foreground} . “_[2756-he] [You]_2757-you have come often here ? ” [he]_2755-he asked [her]_0-her , whilst [she]_0-her stood before [him]_2755-he , flushing and growing pale , irresolute and embarrassed , with [her]_0-her hands nervously gathering the folds of [her]_0-her dress across [her]_0-her chest , and [her]_0-her sad , lustrous , troubled eyes glancing from side to side in a bewildered fear . “_[2757-you] Often , ” [she]_0-her muttered . “_[2758-her] [You]_2758-her will not beat [me]_0-her for it ? [I]_0-her did no harm . ” “_[0-her] Beat [you]_2758-her ? Amongst what brutes have [you]_2758-her lived ? Tell [me]_0-her , why did [you]_2758-her care to come ? ” [Her]_0-her face dropped . “_[2759-they] [They]_2759-they are beautiful , and [they]_2759-they speak to [me]_0-her , ” [she]_0-her murmured , with a pathetic , apologetic timidity in [her]_0-her voice . [He]_2758-her laughed a little ; bitterly . “_[2759-they] Do [they]_2759-they ? [They]_2759-they have [few auditors]_{2760-few auditors} . But [you]_2758-her are beautiful , too , in [your]_2758-her way . Has [no one]_{264-no one} ever told [you]_2758-her so ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her ? ” [She]_0-her glanced at [him]_2758-her half‐wistfully , half‐despairingly ; [she]_0-her thought that [he]_2758-her spoke in derision of [her]_0-her . “_[2758-her] [You]_2758-her , ” [he]_2758-her answered . “_[2758-her] Why not ? Look at [yourself]_2758-her here : all imperfect as it is , [you]_2758-her can see something of what [you]_2758-her are . [Her]_2758-her eyes fell for the first time on the broad confused waves of dull colour , out of whose depths [her]_2758-her own face arose , like [some fair drowned thing tossed upward on a murky sea]_{2762-some fair drowned thing tossed upward on a murky sea} . [She]_2758-her started with a cry as if [he]_2763-he had wounded [her]_2758-her , and stood still trembling . [She]_2758-her had looked at [her]_2758-her own limbs floating in the opaque water of [the bathing pool]_{2764-the bathing pool} , with a certain sense of their beauty wakening in [her]_2758-her ; [she]_2758-her had tossed the soft , thick , gold‐flecked darkness of [her]_2758-her hair over [her]_2758-her bare shoulder , with a certain languor and delight ; [she]_2758-her had held a knot of poppies against [her]_2758-her breast , to see their hues contrast with [her]_2758-her own white skin;—but [she]_2758-her had never imagined that [she]_2758-her had beauty . [He]_2763-he watched [her]_2758-her , letting the vain passion [he]_2763-he thus taught [her]_2758-her creep with all its poison into [her]_2758-her veins . [He]_2763-he had seen such wonder and such awed delight before in [Nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night]_{2765-nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night} , who had never thought that [they]_{2765-nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night} had loveliness — though [they]_{2765-nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night} had seen [their]_{2765-nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night} forms in the clear water of [the wells]_{2766-the wells} every time that [they]_{2765-nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night} had brought [their]_{2765-nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night} pitchers thither , and who had only awakened to that sweet supreme sense of power , and of possession when first [they]_{2765-nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night} had beheld [themselves]_{2765-nubian girls with limbs of bronze and eyes of night} live again upon [his]_2763-he canvas . “ [You]_2758-her are glad ? ”_[2763-he] [he]_2763-he asked [her]_2758-her at length . [She]_2758-her covered [her]_2758-her face with [her]_2758-her hands . “ [I]_2758-her am frightened ! ”_[2758-her] Frightened [she]_2758-her knew not why , and utterly ashamed to have lain thus in [his]_2763-he sight , to have slept thus under [his]_2763-he eyes , yet filled with ecstasy , to think that [she]_2758-her was lovely enough to [him]_2763-he to be raised amidst those marvelous dreams which [people]_476-people and made heaven of [his]_2763-he solitude . “ Well then — let [me]_2763-he paint [you]_2758-her there , ”_[2763-he] [he]_2763-he said , after a pause . “ [I]_2763-he am too poor to offer [you]_2758-her a reward for it . [I]_2763-he have nothing — ”_[2763-he] “ [I]_2758-her want nothing , ”_[2758-her] [she]_2758-her interrupted [him]_2763-he , quickly , while a dark shadow , half wrath , half sorrow , swept across [her]_2758-her face . [He]_2763-he smiled a little . “ [I]_2763-he can not boast the same . But , since [you]_2758-her care for all these hapless things that are imprisoned here , do [me]_2763-he , [[their]_476-people painter]_{6777-their painter} , this one grace . Lie there , in the shadow again , as [you]_2758-her were when [you]_2758-her slept , and let [me]_2763-he go on with this study of [you]_2758-her till the sun sets . ”_[2763-he] A glory beamed over all [her]_2758-her face . [Her]_2758-her mouth trembled , [her]_2758-her whole frame shook like a reed in the wind . “ If [you]_2763-he care ! ”_[2758-her] [she]_2758-her said , brokenly , and paused . It seemed to [her]_2758-her impossible that this form of [hers]_2758-her , which had been only deemed fit for the whip , for the rope , for the shower of stones , could have any grace or excellence in [his]_2763-he sight ; it seemed to [her]_2758-her impossible that this face of [hers]_2758-her , which nothing had ever kissed except the rough tongue of [some honest dog , and which had been blown on by every storm‐ wind , beaten on by every summer sun]_{2768-some honest dog , and which had been blown on by every storm‐ wind , beaten on by every summer sun} , could have colour , or shape , or aspect that could ever please [him]_2763-he ! “ Certainly [I]_2758-her care . Go yonder and lie as [you]_2758-her were lying a few moments ago — there in the shadow , under [these gods]_{2708-these gods} . ”_[2758-her] [She]_2758-her was used to give obedience — the dumb unquestioning obedience of the pack‐horse or the sheep‐dog , and [she]_2758-her had no idea for an instant of refusal . It was a great terror to [her]_2758-her to hear [his]_2763-he voice and feel [his]_2763-he eyes on [her]_2758-her , and be so near to [him]_2763-he ; yet it was equally a joy sweeter and deeper than [she]_2758-her had ever dreamed of as possible . [He]_2763-he still seemed to [her]_2758-her like [a god]_{942-a god} , [this man under whose hand flowers bloomed , and sun‐rays smiled , and waters flowed , and human forms]_{2770-this man under whose hand flowers bloomed , and sun‐rays smiled , and waters flowed , and human forms} arose , and the gracious shapes of a thousand dreams grew into substance . And yet , in [herself]_2758-her , [this man]_{1234-this man} saw beauty ! [He]_2763-he motioned [her]_2758-her with a careless , gentle gesture , as one motions a timid dog , to the spot over which [the three brethren]_{2772-the three brethren} watched hand in hand ; and [she]_2758-her stretched [herself]_2758-her down passively and humbly , meekly as the dog stretches [himself]_2763-he to rest at [[his]_2763-he master]_{1688-his master} ’s command . Over all [her]_2758-her body the blood was leaping ; [her]_2758-her limbs shuddered ; [her]_2758-her breath came and went in broken murmurs ; [her]_2758-her bright‐hued skin grew dark and white by turns ; [she]_2758-her was filled with a passionate delight that [he]_2763-he had found anything in [her]_2758-her to desire or deem fair ; and [she]_2758-her quivered with a tumultuous fear that made [her]_2758-her nervous as [any panting hare]_{2774-any panting hare} . [Her]_2758-her heart beat as it had never done when [the people]_{4948-the people} had raged in [their]_{4948-the people} fury around [her]_2758-her . [One living creature]_{2776-one living creature} had found beauty in [her]_2758-her ; [one human voice]_{2777-one human voice} had spoken to [her]_2758-her gently and without a curse ; [one man]_{4904-one man} had thought [her]_2758-her a thing to be entreated and not scorned;—a change so marvelous in [her]_2758-her fate transfigured all [the world]_{268-the world} for [her]_2758-her , as though [the gods above]_{2780-the gods above} had touched [her]_2758-her lips with fire . But [she]_2758-her was mute and motionless ; the habit of silence and of repression had become [her]_2758-her second nature : no statue of marble could have been stiller , or in semblance more lifeless , than [she]_2758-her was where [she]_2758-her rested on the stones . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn noticed nothing of this ; [he]_172-arslàn was intent upon [his]_172-arslàn work . The sun was very near its setting , and every second of its light was precious to [him]_172-arslàn . The world indeed [he]_172-arslàn knew would in all likelihood never be the wiser or the richer for anything [he]_172-arslàn did ; in all likelihood [he]_172-arslàn knew all these things that [he]_172-arslàn created were destined to moulder away undisturbed save by the rats that might gnaw , and the newts that might traverse , [them]_2781-them . [He]_172-arslàn was buried here in the grave of a hopeless penury , of an endless oblivion . [They]_2782-they were buried with [him]_172-arslàn ; and [the world]_{268-the world} wanted neither [him]_172-arslàn nor [them]_2782-they . Still , having the madness of genius , [he]_172-arslàn was as much the slave of [his]_172-arslàn art as though an universal fame had waited [his]_172-arslàn lowliest and lightest effort . With a deep breath that had half a sigh in it [he]_172-arslàn threw down [his]_172-arslàn brushes when the darkness fell . While [he]_172-arslàn wrought , [he]_172-arslàn forgot the abject bitterness of [his]_172-arslàn life ; when [he]_172-arslàn ceased work , [he]_172-arslàn remembered how hateful a thing it is to live when life means only deprivation , obscurity , and failure . [He]_172-arslàn thanked [her]_2784-her with a few words of gratitude to [her]_2784-her for [her]_2784-her patience , and released [her]_2784-her from the strain of the attitude . [She]_2784-her rose slowly with an odd dazzled look upon [her]_2784-her face , like one coming out of great darkness into the full blaze of day . [Her]_2784-her eyes sought the portrait of [her]_2784-her own form , which was still hazy and unformed , amidst a mist of varying hues : that [she]_2784-her should be elected to have a part with those glorious things which were the companions of [his]_172-arslàn lowliness seemed to [her]_2784-her a wonder so strange and so immeasurable that [her]_2784-her mind still could not grasp it . For it was greatness to [her]_2784-her : a greatness absolute and incredible . [The men]_{450-the men} had stoned , [the women]_{472-the women} cursed , [the children]_{452-the children} hooted [her]_2784-her ; but [he]_172-arslàn selected [her]_2784-her — and [her]_2784-her alone — for that supreme honour which [his]_172-arslàn hand could give . Not noticing the look upon [her]_2784-her face [he]_172-arslàn placed before [her]_2784-her on the rude bench , which served in that place for a table , some score of small studies in colour , trifles brilliant as the rainbow , birds , flowers , insects , a leaf of fern , an orchid in full bloom , a nest with a blue warbler in it , a few peasants by a wayside cross , [a child]_{657-a child} at [a well]_{2789-a well} , a mule laden with autumn fruit — anything which in [the district]_{295-the district} had caught [his]_172-arslàn sight or stirred [his]_172-arslàn fancy . [He]_172-arslàn bade [her]_2784-her choose from [them]_2791-them . “ There is nothing else here , ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn added . “ But since [you]_2784-her care for such things , take as may of them as [you]_2784-her will as recompense . ”_{[172-arslàn]} [Her]_2784-her face flushed up to the fringes of [her]_2784-her hair ; [her]_2784-her eyes looked at the sketches in longing . Except for the scarlet scarf of [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} , this was the only gift [she]_2784-her had ever had offered [her]_2784-her . And all these reproductions of [the world]_{268-the world} around [her]_2784-her were to [her]_2784-her like so much sorcery . Owning one , [she]_2784-her would have worshipped it , revered it , caressed it , treasured it ; [her]_2784-her life was so desolate and barren that such a gift seemed to [her]_2784-her as handsfull of gold and silver would seem to [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} were [he]_{602-a beggar} bidden to take [them]_2791-them and be rich . [She]_2784-her stretched out [her]_2784-her arms in one quick longing gesture ; then as suddenly withdrew them , folding them on [her]_2784-her chest , whilst [her]_2784-her face grew very pale . Something of its old dark proud ferocity gathered on it . “ [I]_2784-her want no payment , ”_[2784-her] [she]_2784-her said , huskily , and [she]_2784-her turned to the threshold and crossed [it]_2794-it . “ Wait . [I]_2784-her did not mean to hurt [you]_2784-her . Will [you]_2784-her not take [them]_6779-them as reward ? ”_[2784-her] “ No . ”_[2784-her] [She]_2784-her spoke almost suddenly ; there was a certain sharpness and dulness of disappointment at [her]_2784-her heart . [She]_2784-her wanted , [she]_2784-her wished , [she]_2784-her knew not what . But not that [he]_{602-a beggar} should offer [her]_2784-her payment . “ Can [you]_2784-her return to‐morrow ? or any other day ? ”_{[602-a beggar]} [he]_{602-a beggar} asked [her]_2784-her , thinking of the sketch unfinished on the sheet of pinewood . [He]_{602-a beggar} did not notice the beating of [her]_2784-her heart under [her]_2784-her folded arms , the quick gasp of [her]_2784-her breath , the change of the rich colour in [her]_2784-her face . “ If [you]_{602-a beggar} wish , ”_[2784-her] [she]_2784-her answered [him]_{602-a beggar} below [her]_2784-her breath . “ [I]_2784-her do wish , surely . The sketch is all unfinished yet . ”_[2784-her] “ [I]_2784-her will come then . ”_[2784-her] [She]_2784-her moved away from [him]_{602-a beggar} across the threshold as [she]_2784-her spoke ; [she]_2784-her was not afraid of [the people]_{4948-the people} , but [she]_2784-her was afraid of this strange , passionate sweetness , which seemed to fill [her]_2784-her veins with fire and make [her]_2784-her drunk and blind . “ Shall [I]_2784-her go with [you]_{602-a beggar} homeward ? ”_[2784-her] [She]_2784-her shook [her]_2784-her head . “ But [the people who struck [you!—they]_{6781-you!—they}]_{6780-the people who struck you!—they} may attack [you]_{602-a beggar} again ? ”_[2784-her] [She]_2784-her laughed a little ; low in [her]_2784-her throat . “ [I]_2784-her showed [them]_{6780-the people who struck you!—they} a knife!—they are timid as [hares]_6782-hares . ”_[2784-her] “ [You]_2784-her are always by [yourself]_2784-her ? ”_[2784-her] “ Always . ”_[2784-her] [She]_2784-her drew [herself]_2784-her with a rapid movement from [him]_2796-he and sprang into [[her]_2784-her boat]_{2090-her boat} where [it]_{2090-her boat} rocked amidst the rushes against the steps ; in another instant [she]_2784-her had thrust [it]_{2090-her boat} from its entanglement in the reeds , and pulled with swift , steady strokes down the stream into the falling shadows of the night . “ [You]_2784-her will come back ? ”_[2796-he] [he]_2796-he called to [her]_2784-her as the first stroke parted the water . “ Yes , ”_[2784-her] [she]_2784-her answered [him]_2796-he ; and [the boat]_{1942-the boat} shot forward into the shadow . Night was near and the darkness soon enclosed [it]_2799-it ; the beat of the oars sounding faintly through the silence of the evening . There was little need to exact the promise from [her]_2784-her . Like [Persephone]_{108-persephone} [she]_2784-her had eaten of the fatal pomegranate seed , which , whether [she]_2784-her would or no , would make [her]_2784-her leave the innocence of youth , and the light of the sun and the blossoms of the glad green spring‐time world , and draw [her]_2784-her footsteps backward and downward to [that hell which none,—once having entered it,—can]_{2800-that hell which none,—once having entered it,—can} ever more forsake . [She]_2784-her had drifted away from [him]_2796-he into the shadows of evening as [they]_2801-they died from [the shore]_{2087-the shore} and [the stream]_{374-the stream} into the gloom of the night . [He]_2796-he thought no more of pursuing [her]_2784-her than [he]_2796-he thought of chasing the melted shadows . Returning to [[his]_2796-he chamber]_{6638-his chamber} [he]_2796-he looked for some minutes at the panel where it leaned against the wall , catching the first pallid moon‐gleam of the night . “ If [she]_2784-her should not come , it will be of little moment , ”_[2796-he] [he]_2796-he thought . “ [I]_2796-he have nearly enough for remembrance there . ”_[2796-he] And [he]_2796-he went away from the painting , and took up charcoal and turned to those anatomical studies whose severity [he]_2796-he never spared [himself]_2796-he , and for whose perfecting [he]_2796-he pursued the science of form even in the bodies of the dead . From the moment that [his]_2796-he hand touched the stylus [he]_2796-he forgot [her]_2784-her ; for [she]_2784-her was no more to [him]_2796-he than a chance bird that [he]_2796-he might have taken from its home amidst the ripe red autumn foliage and caged for a while to study its grace and colour , its longing eye and drooping wing ; and then tossed up into the air again , when [he]_2796-he had done with it , to find its way to freedom , or to fall into [the fowler]_{2805-the fowler} ’s snare;—what matter which ? [THE boat]_{1942-the boat} went on into the darkness under the willow banks , past [the great Calvary , whose lanthorn was just lit and glimmered through the gloom]_{2807-the great calvary , whose lanthorn was just lit and glimmered through the gloom} . [She]_2784-her knew by heart the old familiar way ; and [the water]_{265-the water} was as safe to [her]_2784-her as the broadest , straightest road at noonday . [She]_2784-her loved [it]_{265-the water} best thus ; dusky : half seen ; muttering on through the silence ; full of the shadows of the clouds and of the boughs ; black as a fresh dug grave where some ruined wall leaned over [it]_2809-it ; broken into liitle silvery gleams where it caught the light from [[a saint]_{4870-a saint} ’s shrine or [a smith]_{2812-a smith} ’s forge]_{2811-a saint ’s shrine or a smith ’s forge} . By day [a river]_{2813-a river} is but [the highway of [men]_364-men]_{2814-the highway of men} ; it is but [a public bridge]_{2816-a public bridge} betwixt [the country]_{751-the country} and [the town]_{482-the town} ; but at night [it]_{265-the water} grows mystical , silent , solitary , unreal , with the sound of [the sea]_{405-the sea} in its murmurings and the peace of death in its calm ; at night , through its ceaseless whisperings , there always seem to arise echoes from all the voices of the drowned multitudes of [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} whence it comes , and from all the voices of [the living multitudes of [the city]_{473-the city}]_{2821-the living multitudes of the city} whither it goes . It was quite dark when [she]_2784-her reached [the landing steps]_{2823-the landing steps} ; the moon was just rising above the sharp gables of [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} , and a lanthorn was moving up and down behind the budded boughs as [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} went to and fro in [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} wood‐yard]_{2825-his wood‐yard} . At the jar of [the boat]_{1942-the boat} against the steps [he]_{115-claudis flamma} peered through the branches , and greeted [her]_2784-her with a malignant reprimand . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} timed [her]_2784-her services to the minute ; and here had been a full half‐day of the spring weather wasted , and lost to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} drove [her]_2784-her indoors with sharp railing and loud reproaches ; not waiting for an answer , but heaping on [her]_2784-her the bitterest terms of reviling that [his]_{115-claudis flamma} tongue could gather . In [the kitchen]_{5817-the kitchen} a little low‐burning lamp lit dully the poverty and dreariness of [the place]_{342-the place} , and shed its orange rays on the ill‐tempered , puckered , gloomy face of [the old woman Pitchou]_{2829-the old woman pitchou} sitting at [her]_{2829-the old woman pitchou} spindle ; there was a curious odour of sun‐dried herbs and smoke‐dried fish that made the air heavy and pungent ; the great chimney yawned black and fireless ; a starveling cat mewed dolorously over an empty platter ; under a tawdry‐coloured print of the Flight into [Egypt]_1-egypt , there hung on a nail three dead blackbirds , shot as [they]_2830-they sang the praises of the spring ; on a dresser , beside a little white basin of holy water , there lay a grey rabbit , dead likewise , with limbs broken and bleeding from the trap in which it had writhed helpless all through the previous night . The penury , dulness , and cruelty , the hardness , barrenness , and unloveliness of this life in which [she]_2784-her abode had never struck [her]_2784-her with a sense so sharp as that which now fell on [her]_2784-her ; crossing the threshold of this dreary place after the shadows of the night , the beauty of the gods , the voice of praise , the eyes of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . [She]_2784-her came into [the room]_{2665-the room} , bringing with [her]_2784-her the cool fragrance of damp earth , wet leaves , and wild flowers ; the moisture of the evening was on [her]_2784-her clothes and hair ; [her]_2784-her bare feet sparkled with the silvery spray of dew ; [her]_2784-her eyes had the look of blindness yet of lustre that the night air lends ; and on [her]_2784-her face there was a mingling of puzzled pain and of rapturous dreaming wonder , which new thought and fresh feeling had brought there to break up its darkness into light . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} , twirling a flaxen thread upon [her]_{334-the old woman} wheel , looked askance at [her]_{334-the old woman} , and [mumbled—“like mother]_{6783-mumbled—“like mother} , like [child]_1265-child . ”_{[335-the old man]} [The old man]_{335-the old man} , catching up the lamp , held it against [her]_2784-her face , and peered at [her]_2784-her under [his]_{335-the old man} grey bent brows . “ A whole day wasted ! ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} swore for the twentieth time , in [his]_{335-the old man} teeth . “ [Beast]_193-beast ! What hast [thou]_{334-the old woman} to say for [thyself]_6785-thyself ? ”_{[335-the old man]} The old dogged ferocity gathered over [her]_2784-her countenance , chasing away the softened perplexed radiance that had been newly awakened there . “ [I]_2784-her say nothing , ”_[2784-her] [she]_2784-her answered . “ Nothing ! nothing ! ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} echoed after [her]_2784-her . “ Then [we]_6786-we will find a way to make [thee]_2784-her speak . Nothing!—when three of the clock should have seen [thee]_2784-her back hither at latest , and five hours since then have gone by without account . [You]_2784-her have spent it in brawling and pleasure — in shame and iniquity — in vice and in violence , [thou]_{334-the old woman} creature of sin ! ”_{[335-the old man]} “ Since [you]_{335-the old man} know , why ask ? ”_[2784-her] [She]_2784-her spoke with steady contemptuous calm . [She]_2784-her disdained to seek refuge from [his]_{335-the old man} fury by pleading the injuries that [the townsfolk]_{702-the townsfolk} had wrought [her]_2784-her ; and of [the house by [the river]_{356-the river}]_{2835-the house by the river} , [she]_2784-her would not have spoken though [they]_{702-the townsfolk} had killed [her]_2784-her . The storm of [his]_{335-the old man} words raged on uninterrupted . “ Five hours , five mortal hours , stolen from [me]_{335-the old man} , [your]_2784-her lawful work left undone that [you]_2784-her may riot in some secret abomination that [you]_2784-her dare not to name . Say where [you]_2784-her have been , what [you]_2784-her have done , [you]_2784-her spawn of hell , or [I]_{335-the old man} will wring [your]_2784-her throat as [I]_{335-the old man} wring a sparrow ’s ! ”_{[335-the old man]} “ [I]_2784-her have done as [I]_2784-her chose . ”_[2784-her] [She]_2784-her looked [him]_{335-the old man} full in the eyes as [she]_2784-her spoke , with the look in [her]_2784-her own that [a bull ’s]_{2837-a bull ’s} have when [he]_{2837-a bull ’s} lowers [his]_{2837-a bull ’s} head to the charge and attack . “ As [you]_{335-the old man} choose ! [Oh‐ho]_194-oh‐ho ! [You]_{335-the old man} would speak as [queens]_6787-queens speak — [you]_{335-the old man} — a thing less than the worm and the emmet . As [you]_{335-the old man} choose — [you!—who]_{335-the old man} have not a rag on [your]_{335-the old man} back , not a crust of rye bread , not a leaf of salad to eat , not a lock of hay for [your]_{335-the old man} bed , that is not [mine]_{335-the old man} — mine — mine . As [you]_{335-the old man} choose . [You!—you]_{335-the old man} thing begotten in infamy ; [[you]_{335-the old man} slave]_{6788-you slave} ; [[you]_{335-the old man} beggar]_{6789-you beggar} ; [you]_{335-the old man} sloth ! [You]_{335-the old man} are nothing — nothing less than the blind worm that crawls in [the sand]_{2091-the sand} . [You]_{335-the old man} have the devil that bred [you]_{335-the old man} in [you]_{335-the old man} , no doubt ; but it shall go hard if [I]_2838-he can not conquer [him]_2838-he when [I]_2838-he bruise [your]_{335-the old man} body and break [your]_{335-the old man} will . ”_[2838-he] As [he]_2838-he spoke [he]_2838-he seized [her]_2839-her to strike [her]_2839-her ; in [his]_2838-he hand [he]_2838-he already gripped an oak stick that [he]_2838-he had brought in with [him]_2838-he from [[his]_2838-he timber‐yard]_{2840-his timber‐yard} , and [he]_2838-he raised it to rain blows on [her]_2839-her , expecting no other course than the dumb , passive , scornful submission with which [she]_2839-her had hitherto accepted whatsoever [he]_2838-he had chosen to do against [her]_2839-her . But in lieu of the creature , silent and stirless , who before had stood to receive [his]_2838-he lashes as though [her]_2839-her body were of bronze or wood , that felt not , a leonine and superb animal sprang up in full rebellion . [She]_2839-her started out of [his]_2838-he grasp , [her]_2839-her lithe form springing from [his]_2838-he seizure as a willow bough that has been bent to earth springs back , released , into the air . [She]_2839-her caught the staff in both [her]_2839-her hands , wrenched it by a sudden gesture from [him]_2838-he , and flung it away to the farther end of [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} ; then [she]_2839-her turned on [him]_2838-he as a hart turns brought to bay . [Her]_2839-her supple body was erect like a young pine ; [her]_2839-her eyes flushed with a lustre [he]_2838-he had never seen in them ; the breath came hard and fast through [her]_2839-her dilated nostrils ; [her]_2839-her mouth curled and quivered . “ Touch [me]_2839-her again ! ”_[2839-her] [she]_2839-her cried aloud , while [her]_2839-her voice rang full and imperious through the stillness . “ Touch [me]_2839-her again ; and by the heaven and hell [you]_2838-he prate of , [I]_2839-her will kill [you]_2838-he ! ”_[2839-her] So sudden was the revolt , so sure the menace , that [[he]_2838-he old man]_{2842-he old man} dropped [his]_{2842-he old man} hands and stood and gazed at [her]_2839-her aghast and staring ; not recognizing the mute , patient , dog‐like thing that [he]_{2842-he old man} had beaten at will , in [this stern , fearless , splendid , terrible creature]_{2843-this stern , fearless , splendid , terrible creature} , who faced [him]_{2842-he old man} in all the royalty of wrath , in all the passion of insurrection . [He]_{2842-he old man} could not tell what had altered [her]_2839-her , what had wrought this transformation , what had changed [her]_2839-her as by sorcery ; [he]_{2842-he old man} could not tell that what had aroused a human soul in [her]_2839-her had been the first human voice that [she]_2839-her had listened to in love ; [he]_{2842-he old man} could not tell that [her]_2839-her body had grown sacred to [her]_2839-her because [a stranger]_{5005-a stranger} had called [her]_2839-her beautiful , and that [her]_2839-her life for the first time had acquired a worth and dignity in [her]_2839-her sight because [one man]_{4904-one man} had deemed it fair . [He]_{2842-he old man} could not tell ; [he]_{2842-he old man} could only see that for the first time [[his]_{2842-he old man} slave]_{2846-his slave} had learned somewhere , and in some wise , what freedom meant ; and had escaped [him]_{2842-he old man} . This alone [he]_{2842-he old man} saw ; and , seeing it , was startled and afraid . [She]_2839-her waited , watching [him]_{2842-he old man} some moments , with cold eyes of disdain , in which a smouldering fire slept , ready to burst into an all‐devouring flame . There was not a sound in [the place]_{342-the place} ; [the woman]_{633-the woman} spinning stopped [her]_{633-the woman} wheel , wondering in a half‐stupid , savage fashion ; the lean cat ceased its cries ; there was only the continual swish of the water in the sluices under the wall without , and the dull ticking of the old Black Forest clock , that kept a fitful measure of the days and nights in its cracked case of painted wood , high up , where the thyme , and the sage , and the onions hung among the twisted rafters . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} stood still , [her]_2839-her left hand resting on [her]_2839-her hip , [her]_2839-her lips curved scornfully and close , [her]_2839-her face full of passion , which [she]_2839-her kept as still as the dead birds hanging on the wall ; whilst all the time the tawny smoky hues of the oil‐ lamp were wavering with an odd fantastic play over [her]_2839-her head and limbs . Before this night , [she]_2839-her had always taken every blow and stripe patiently , without vengeance , without effort , as [she]_2839-her saw [the mule]_{1386-the mule} and the dog , the horse and the ox , take [theirs]_2850-their in [their]_2850-their pathetic patience , in [their]_2850-their noble fortitude . [She]_2839-her had thought that such were [her]_2839-her daily portion as such as was the daily bread [she]_2839-her broke . But now , since [she]_2839-her had awakened with the smile of the gods upon [her]_2839-her , now , [she]_2839-her felt that sooner than endure again that indignity , that outrage , [she]_2839-her would let [[her]_2839-her tyrant]_{5680-her tyrant} kill [her]_2839-her in [his]_{5680-her tyrant} hate , if so [he]_{5680-her tyrant} chose , and cast [her]_2839-her body to the mill‐stream , moaning through the trees beneath the moon ; the water , at least , would bear [her]_2839-her with it , tranquil and undefiled , beneath the old grey walls and past the eyes of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . There was that in [her]_2839-her look which struck dumb the mouth , and held motionless the arm , of [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} . Caustic , savage , hard as [his]_{115-claudis flamma} own ash staff though [he]_{115-claudis flamma} was , [he]_{115-claudis flamma} was for the moment paralysed and unmanned . Some vague sense of shame stirred heavily in [him]_{115-claudis flamma} ; some vague remembrance passed over [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , that , whatsoever else [she]_2839-her might be , [she]_2839-her had been once borne in [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} daughter]_{502-his daughter} ’s bosom , and kissed by [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} daughter]_{502-his daughter} ’s lips , and sent to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} by [a dead woman]_{2854-a dead woman} ’s will , with [a dead woman]_{2854-a dead woman} ’s wretchedness and loneliness as [her]_2839-her sole birth‐gifts . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} passed [his]_{115-claudis flamma} hands over [his]_{115-claudis flamma} eyes with a blinded gesture , staring hard at [her]_2839-her in the dusky lamplight . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} was [a strong and bitter old man , made cruel by one great agony]_{2856-a strong and bitter old man , made cruel by one great agony} , and groping [his]_{115-claudis flamma} way savagely through a dark , hungry , superstitious , ignorant life . But in that moment [he]_{115-claudis flamma} no more dared to touch [her]_2839-her than [he]_{115-claudis flamma} would have dared to tear down the leaden Christ from off its crucifix , and trample it under foot , and spit on it . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} turned away , muttering in [his]_{115-claudis flamma} throat , and kicking the cat from [his]_{115-claudis flamma} path , while [he]_{115-claudis flamma} struck out the light with [his]_{115-claudis flamma} staff . “ Get to [[thy]_2839-her den]_{6791-thy den} , ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} [he]_{115-claudis flamma} said , with a curse . “ [We]_6792-we are a‐bed too late . To‐morrow [I]_{115-claudis flamma} will deal with [thee]_2839-her . ”_{[115-claudis flamma]} [She]_2839-her went without a word out of [the dark kitchen]_{2857-the dark kitchen} and up [the ladder‐like stairs]_{2858-the ladder‐like stairs} , up to [her]_2839-her lair in the roof . [She]_2839-her said nothing ; it was not in [her]_2839-her nature to threaten twice , or twice protest ; but in [her]_2839-her heart [she]_2839-her knew that neither the next day , nor any other day , should that which [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had called “ beauty , ”_{[172-arslàn]} be stripped and struck whilst life was in [her]_2839-her to preserve it by death from that indignity . From the time of [her]_2839-her earliest infancy , [she]_2839-her had been used to bare [her]_2839-her shoulders to the lash , and take the stripes as food and wages ; [she]_2839-her had no more thought to resist [them]_2859-them than the brave hound , who fears [no foe on earth]_{2860-no foe on earth} , has to resist [[his]_2861-his master]_{1688-his master} ’s blows ; the dull habits of a soulless bondage had been too strong on [her]_2839-her to be lightly broken , and the resignation of [the loyal beasts that were [[her]_2839-her comrades]_{712-her comrades}]_{2863-the loyal beasts that were her comrades} , had been the one virtue that [she]_2839-her had learnt to follow . But no at length [she]_2839-her had burst [her]_2839-her bonds , and had claimed [her]_2839-her freedom . [She]_2839-her had tasted the freshness of liberty , and the blood burned like fire in [her]_2839-her face as [she]_2839-her remembered the patience and the shame of the years of [her]_2839-her slavery . There was no mirror in [[her]_2839-her little lair]_{2865-her little lair} in the gabled eaves ; all the mirror [she]_2839-her had ever known had been that which [she]_2839-her had shared with [the water‐lilies]_{2866-the water‐lilies} , when together [she]_2839-her and [they]_2867-they had leaned over the smooth dark surface of the mill‐pond . But the moon streamed clearly through the one unshuttered window , a moon full and clear , and still cold ; the spring‐tide moon , from which the pale primroses borrow those tender hues of theirs , which never warm or grow deeper , however golden be the sun that [my]_0-her shine . Its colourless crescent went sailing past the little square lattice hole in the wall ; masses of gorgeous cloud , white and black , swept by in a fresh west wind ; the fresh breath of a spring night chased away the heat and languor of the day ; the smell of all the blossoms of the spring rose up from wood and orchard ; the cool , drowsy murmuring of the mill‐stream beneath was the only sound on the stillness , except when now and then there came the wild cry of a mating owl . The moonbeams fell about [her]_2839-her where [she]_2839-her stood ; and [she]_2839-her looked down on [her]_2839-her smooth skin , [her]_2839-her glistening shoulders , [her]_2839-her lustrous and abundant hair , on which the wavering light played and undulated . The most delicious gladness that [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s life can know was in tumult in [her]_2839-her , conflicting with the new and deadly sense of shame and ignorance . [She]_2839-her learned that [she]_2839-her was beautiful , at the same time that [she]_2839-her awoke to the knowledge of [her]_2839-her dumb , lifeless , slavish inferiority to [all other human beings]_{2869-all other human beings} . “ Beautiful ! ”_[2839-her] [she]_2839-her muttered to [herself]_2839-her , “ only as a poppy as a snake , as a night moth are beautiful — beautiful — and without fragrance , or sweetness , or worth ! ”_[2839-her] And [her]_2839-her heart was heavy , even amidst all its pleasure and triumph , heavy with a sense of utter ignorance and utter worthlessness . The poppy was snapped asunder as a weed , the snake was shunned and cursed for [his]_2870-his poison , the night moth was killed because [his]_2870-his nature had made [him]_2870-his dwell in the darkness ; [none of the three]_{2871-none of the three} might have any fault in truth in [them]_2872-them ; all of [the three]_{5860-the three} might have only the livery of evil , and no more ; might be innocent , and ask only to breathe and live for a little brief space in [their]_2872-them world , which [men]_364-men called [[God]_118-god ’s world]_{2875-god ’s world} . Yet were [they]_2872-them condemned by [men]_364-men , and slain , being what [they]_2872-them were , although [God]_118-god made [them]_2872-them . Even so [she]_2839-her felt , without reasoning , had it been , and would it be with [herself]_2839-her . IN [the room below]_{2877-the room below} , [the old Norman woman who did not fear [[her]_{2878-the old norman woman who did not fear her taskmaster} taskmaster]_{586-her taskmaster}]_{2878-the old norman woman who did not fear her taskmaster} , unbarred the shutter to let the moon shine in [the room]_{2665-the room} , and by its light put away [her]_{2878-the old norman woman who did not fear her taskmaster} wheel and work , and cut a halved lettuce up upon a platter , with some dry bread , and ate them for [her]_{2878-the old norman woman who did not fear her taskmaster} supper . [The old man]_{335-the old man} knelt down before the leaden image , and joined [his]_{335-the old man} knotted hands , and prayed in a low , fierce , eager voice , while the heavy pendulum of the clock swung wearily to and fro . The clock kept fitful and uncertain time ; it had been so long imprisoned in the gloom there among the beams and cobwebs , and in this place life was so dull , so colourless , so torpid , that it seemed to have forgotten how time truly went , and to wake up now and then with a shudder of remembrance , in which its works ran madly down . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} ended [her]_{334-the old woman} supper , munching the lettuce‐leaves thirstily in [her]_{334-the old woman} toothless mouth , and not casting so much as a crumb of the crusts to the cat , who pitifully watched , and mutely implored , with great ravenous amber‐circled eyes . Then [she]_{334-the old woman} took [her]_{334-the old woman} stick and crept out of [the kitchen]_{5817-the kitchen} , [her]_{334-the old woman} wooden shoes clacking loud on the bare red bricks . “ Prayer did little to keep holy the other one , ”_{[334-the old woman]} [she]_{334-the old woman} muttered ; “ unless , indeed , [the devil]_{4853-the devil} heard and answered . ”_{[334-the old woman]} But [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} for all that prayed on , entreating the mercy and guidance of heaven , whilst the gore dripped from the dead rabbit , and the silent song birds hung stiff upon the nail . “ [Thou]_6794-thou hast [a good labourer]_{6795-a good labourer} , ”_{[334-the old woman]} said [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} , [Pitchou]_147-pitchou , with curt significance , to [[her]_{334-the old woman} master]_{640-her master} , meeting [him]_{640-her master} in the raw of the dawn , on the morrow , as [he]_{640-her master} drew the bolts from [[his]_{640-her master} house‐door]_{2886-his house‐door} . “ Take heed that [thou]_6794-thou dost not drive [her]_{334-the old woman} away , [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} . [One]_1305-one may beat a saddled mule safely , but hardly so a wolf ’s cub . ”_{[334-the old woman]} [She]_{334-the old woman} passed out of the door as [she]_{334-the old woman} spoke with mop and pail to wash down [the paved court outside]_{2887-the paved court outside} ; but [her]_{334-the old woman} words abode with [[her]_{334-the old woman} master]_{640-her master} . [He]_{640-her master} meddled no more with the wolf ’s club . When [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} came down [the stairs]_{2889-the stairs} in the crisp , cool , sweet smelling spring morning that was breaking through the mists over [the land and water]_{2890-the land and water} , [he]_{640-her master} motioned to [her]_{334-the old woman} to break [her]_{334-the old woman} fast with the cold porridge left from overnight , and looking at [her]_{334-the old woman} from under [his]_{640-her master} bent brows with a glance that had some apprehension underneath its anger , apportioned [her]_{334-the old woman} a task for the early day with a few bitter words of command ; but [he]_{640-her master} molested [her]_{334-the old woman} no farther , nor referred ever so faintly to the scene of the past night . [She]_{334-the old woman} ate [her]_{334-the old woman} poor and tasteless meal in silence , and set about [her]_{334-the old woman} appointed labour without protest . So long as [she]_{334-the old woman} should eat [his]_{640-her master} bread , so long , [she]_{334-the old woman} said to [herself]_{334-the old woman} , would [she]_{334-the old woman} serve [him]_{640-her master} . Thus much the pride and honesty of [her]_{334-the old woman} nature taught [her]_{334-the old woman} was [his]_{640-her master} due . [He]_{640-her master} watched [her]_{334-the old woman} furtively under [his]_{640-her master} shaggy eyebrows . [His]_{640-her master} instinct told [him]_{640-her master} that this nameless , dumb , captive , desert animal , which [he]_{640-her master} had bound as a beast of burden to [[his]_{640-her master} millwheels]_{2891-his millwheels} , had in some manner learned [her]_{334-the old woman} strength , and would not long remain content to be thus yoked and driven . [He]_{640-her master} had blinded [her]_{334-the old woman} with the blindness of ignorance , and goaded [her]_{334-the old woman} with the good of ignominy ; but for all that , some way [her]_{334-the old woman} bandaged eyes had sought and found the light , some way [her]_{334-the old woman} numbed hide had thrilled and swerved beneath the barb . “ [She]_{334-the old woman} also is [a saint]_{4870-a saint} ; let [God]_118-god take [her]_{334-the old woman} ! ”_{[335-the old man]} said [the old man]_{335-the old man} to [himself]_{335-the old man} in savage irony , as [he]_{335-the old man} toiled amongst [his]_{335-the old man} mill gear and [his]_{335-the old man} sacks . [His]_{335-the old man} heart was ever sore and in agony because [[his]_{335-the old man} God]_{5800-his god} had cheated [him]_{335-the old man} , letting [him]_{335-the old man} hold as purest and holiest among women [the daughter who had betrayed [him]_{335-the old man}]_{2894-the daughter who had betrayed him} . In [his]_{335-the old man} way [he]_{335-the old man} prayed still ; but chiefly [his]_{335-the old man} prayer was a passionate upbraiding , a cynical reproach . [She]_{334-the old woman} — [[his]_{335-the old man} beloved]_{2895-his beloved} , [[his]_{335-the old man} marvel]_{2896-his marvel} , [[his]_{335-the old man} choicest of [maidens]_1965-maidens]_{2897-his choicest of maidens} , [his]_{335-the old man} fairest and coldest of virgins,—had escaped [him]_{335-the old man} and duped [him]_{335-the old man} , and been a thing of passion and of foulness , of treachery and of lust , all the while that [he]_{335-the old man} had worshipped [her]_{334-the old woman} . Therefore [he]_{335-the old man} hated every breathing thing ; therefore [he]_{335-the old man} slew the birds in air song , the insects in [their]_2899-their summer bravery , the lamb in its gambols , the rabbit in its play amidst the primroses . Therefore [he]_{335-the old man} cried to [the God whom [he]_{335-the old man} still believed in]_{2900-the god whom he still believed in} , “ [Thou]_{2900-the god whom he still believed in} lettest that which was pure escape [me]_{335-the old man} to be defiled and be slaughtered , and now [Thou]_{2900-the god whom he still believed in} lettest that which is vile escape [me]_{335-the old man} to become beautiful and free and strong ! ”_{[335-the old man]} And now and then , in this woe of [his]_{335-the old man} which was so pitiful and yet so brutal , [he]_{335-the old man} glanced at [her]_{334-the old woman} where [she]_{334-the old woman} laboured amongst the unbudded vines and leafless fruit trees , and whetted a sickle on the whirling grindstone , and felt its edge , and thought to [himself]_{335-the old man} , “ [She]_{334-the old woman} was devil begotten . Would it not be well once and for all to rid [men]_364-men of [her]_{334-the old woman} ? ”_{[335-the old man]} For , [he]_{335-the old man} reasoned , being thus conceived in infamy and branded from [her]_{334-the old woman} birth upward , how should [she]_{334-the old woman} be ever otherwise than to men a curse ? Where [she]_{334-the old woman} went at [her]_{334-the old woman} labours , to and fro amongst the bushes and by [the glancing water]_{2901-the glancing water} , [she]_{334-the old woman} saw the steel hook and caught [his]_{335-the old man} sideways gaze , and read [his]_{335-the old man} meditation . [She]_{334-the old woman} laughed , and did not fear . Only [she]_{334-the old woman} thought , “ [He]_{335-the old man} shall not do it till [I]_{334-the old woman} have been back there . ”_{[334-the old woman]} Before the day was done , thither [she]_{334-the old woman} went . [He]_{335-the old man} had kept [her]_{334-the old woman} close since the sunrise . Not sending [her]_{334-the old woman} out on any of the errands to and fro [the country]_{751-the country} , which had a certain pleasure to [her]_{334-the old woman} , because [she]_{334-the old woman} gained by them liberty and air , and the contentment of swift movement against fresh blowing winds . Nor did [her]_{334-the old woman} send [her]_{334-the old woman} to [the town]_{482-the town} . [He]_{335-the old man} employed [her]_{334-the old woman} through ten whole hours in [out‐door garden]_{2904-out‐door garden} labour , and in fetching and carrying from [[his]_{335-the old man} yard]_{2905-his yard} to [[his]_{335-the old man} lofts]_{2906-his lofts} , always within sight of [his]_{335-the old man} own quick eye , and within call of [his]_{335-the old man} harsh voice . [She]_{334-the old woman} did not revolt . [She]_{334-the old woman} did what [he]_{335-the old man} bade [her]_{334-the old woman} do swiftly and well . There was no fault to find in any of [her]_{334-the old woman} labours . When the last sack was carried , [the last sod]_{2907-the last sod} turned , the last burden borne , the sun was sinking , [he]_{335-the old man} bade [her]_{334-the old woman} roughly go indoors and winnow last year ’s wheat in [the store chambers]_{2908-the store chambers} till [he]_{335-the old man} should bid [her]_{334-the old woman} cease . [She]_{334-the old woman} came and stood before [him]_{335-the old man} , [her]_{334-the old woman} eyes very quiet in their look of patient strength . “ [I]_{334-the old woman} have worked from daybreak through to sunset , ”_{[334-the old woman]} [she]_{334-the old woman} said , slowly to [him]_{335-the old man} . “ It is enough for [man]_4882-man and beast . The rest [I]_{334-the old woman} claim . ”_{[334-the old woman]} Before [he]_{335-the old man} could reply [she]_{334-the old woman} had leaped the low stone wall that parted the timber‐yard from [the orchard]_{1190-the orchard} , and was out of sight , flying far and fast through the twilight of the boughs . [He]_{335-the old man} muttered a curse , and let [her]_{334-the old woman} go . [His]_{335-the old man} head drooped on [his]_{335-the old man} breast , [his]_{335-the old man} hands worked restlessly on the stone coping of the wall , [his]_{335-the old man} withered lips muttered in wrath . “ There is hell in [her]_{334-the old woman} , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} said to [himself]_{335-the old man} . “ Let [her]_{334-the old woman} go to [[her]_{334-the old woman} rightful home]_{6800-her rightful home} . There is one thing — ”_{[335-the old man]} “ There is one thing ? ”_{[334-the old woman]} echoed [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} , hanging washed linen out to dry on the boughs of the half‐bloomed almond‐shrubs . [He]_{335-the old man} gave a dreary , greed , [miser]_2911-miser ’s chuckle . “ One thing . [I]_{335-the old man} have made [the devil]_{4853-the devil} work for [me]_{335-the old man} hard and well ten whole years through ! ”_{[335-the old man]} “ The devil ! ”_{[613-the woman pitchou]} mumbled [the woman Pitchou]_{613-the woman pitchou} , in contemptuous iteration . “ Dost [thou]_6802-thou think [the devil]_{4853-the devil} was ever such a fool as to work for [thy]_6802-thou wage of blows and of black bread ? Why , [he]_{4853-the devil} rules [the world]_{268-the world} , [they]_6802-thou say ! And how should [he]_{4853-the devil} rule unless [he]_{4853-the devil} paid [[his]_{4853-the devil} people]_{492-his people} well ! ”_{[613-the woman pitchou]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} fled on , through [the calm woodlands]_{2913-the calm woodlands} , through [the pastures where the sleek herds dreamed [their]_2915-their days away]_{2914-the pastures where the sleek herds dreamed their days away} , through the young wheat and [the springing colza]_{2916-the springing colza} , and [the little fields]_{2917-the little fields} all bright with promise of the spring , and all the sunset ’s wealth of golden light . [The league]_{2918-the league} was but as a step to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , trained as [her]_{104-folle‐farine} muscles were to speed and strength until [her]_{104-folle‐farine} feet were fleet as are [the doe]_{2919-the doe} ’s . When [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had gained [her]_{104-folle‐farine} goal then only [she]_{104-folle‐farine} paused , stricken with a sudden shyness and terror of what [she]_{104-folle‐farine} hardly knew . An instinct , rather than a thought , turned [her]_{104-folle‐farine} towards [a little grass‐hidden pool]_{2920-a little grass‐hidden pool} behind [the granary]_{542-the granary} , whose water , never stirred save by a pigeon ’s rosy foot , or by a timid plover ’s beak , was motionless and clear as any mirror . Instinct , rather than thought , bent [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head over it , and taught [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes to seek [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own reflection . It had a certain beauty that fascinated wonder in it to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with a curious indefinable attraction . For the first time in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had thought of it , and done such slight things as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could to make it greater . They were but few,—linen a little whiter and less coarse — the dust shaken from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} scarlet sash ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bronze‐hued hair burnished to richer darkness ; a knot of wild narcissi in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bosom gathered with the dew on them as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} came through the wood . This was all ; yet this was something ; something that showed the dawn of human impulses , of womanly desires . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} looked , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} blushed for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own foolishness ; and , with a quick hand , cast the white wood flowers into the centre of the pool . It seemed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} now , though only a moment earlier [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had gathered them , so senseless and so idle to have decked [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} with [their]_2922-their borrowed loveliness . As if for such things as these [he]_2923-he cared ! Then , slowly , and with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head sunk , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} entered [[his]_2923-he dwelling‐place]_{2924-his dwelling‐place} . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn stood with [his]_2923-he face turned from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , bending down over [a trestle of wood]_{2925-a trestle of wood} . [He]_2923-he did not hear [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} approached ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} drew quite close to [him]_2923-he and looked where [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw that [he]_2923-he looked ; down on the wooden bench . What [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw were a long falling stream of light hued hair , a grey still face , closed eyes , and naked limbs , which did not stir save when [his]_2923-he hand moved them a little in [their]_2926-their posture , and which then dropped from [his]_2923-he hold like lead . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} did not shudder nor exclaim ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} only looked with quiet and incurious eyes . In this life of [the poor]_{5743-the poor} such a sight has neither novelty nor terror . It did not even seem strange to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to see it in such a place . [He]_2923-he started slightly as [he]_2923-he grew sensible of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} presence , and turned , and threw a black cloth over the trestle . “ Do not look there , ”_[2923-he] [he]_2923-he said to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . “ [I]_2923-he had forgotten [you]_{104-folle‐farine} . Otherwise — ”_[2923-he] “ [I]_2923-he have looked there . It is only [a dead woman]_{2854-a dead woman} . ”_[2923-he] “ Only ! What makes [you]_2923-he say that ? ”_[2923-he] “ [I]_2923-he do not know . There are many — are there not ? ”_[2923-he] [He]_2923-he looked at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} in surprise seeing that this utter lack of interest or curiosity was true and not assumed ; that awe , and reverence , and dread , and all emotions which rise in human hearts before the sight or memory of death were wholly absent from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . “ There are many indeed , ”_[2923-he] [he]_2923-he made answer , slowly . “ Just there is the toughest problem — it is the insect life of [the world]_{268-the world} ; it is the clouds of [human ephemeræ]_{6808-human ephemeræ} , begotten one summer day to die the next ; it is the millions on millions of [men]_364-men and [women born , as it were , only to be choked by the reek of cities]_{6810-women born , as it were , only to be choked by the reek of cities} , and then fade out to nothing ; it is the numbers that kill one ’s dream of immortality ! ”_[2923-he] [She]_{104-folle‐farine} looked wearily up at [him]_2923-he , not comprehending , and , indeed , [he]_2923-he had spoken to [himself]_2923-he and not to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} lifted up one corner of the cere cloth and gazed a little while at the dead face , the face of [a girl young , and in a slight soft youthful manner , fair]_{2928-a girl young , and in a slight soft youthful manner , fair} . “ It is [Fortis]_195-fortis , [[the rag‐picker]_{6811-the rag‐picker} ’s daughter]_{6812-the rag‐picker ’s daughter} , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said , indifferently , and dropt back the sheltering cloth . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} did not know what nor why [she]_{104-folle‐farine} envied , and yet [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was jealous of this white dead thing that abode there so peacefully and so happily with the caress of [his]_2923-he touch on its calm limbs . “ Yes , ”_[2923-he] [he]_2923-he answered [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . “ It is [[his]_2923-he daughter]_{502-his daughter} . [She]_{2929-the dead girl} died twenty hours ago,—of low fever , [they]_6814-they say — famine , no doubt . ”_[2923-he] “ Why do [you]_2923-he have [her]_{2929-the dead girl} here ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} felt no sorrow for [the dead girl]_{2929-the dead girl} ; [the girl]_{5116-the girl} had mocked and jibed [her]_{2929-the dead girl} many a time as [a dark witch devil‐born]_{2931-a dark witch devil‐born} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} only felt a jealous and restless hatred of [her]_{2929-the dead girl} intrusion here . “ [The dead]_{5880-the dead} sit to [me]_2923-he often , ”_[2923-he] [he]_2923-he said , with a certain smile that had sadness and yet coldness in it . “ Why ? ”_[2923-he] “ That [they]_6814-they may tell [me]_2923-he the secrets of life . ”_[2923-he] “ Do [they]_6814-they tell [them]_6814-they ? ”_[2923-he] “ A few;—most [they]_6814-they keep . [See,—I]_196-see,—i paint death ; [I]_2923-he must watch it to paint it . It is dreary work , [you]_2923-he think ? It is not so to [me]_2923-he . [The surgeon]_{6370-the surgeon} seeks [his]_{6370-the surgeon} kind of truth ; [I]_2923-he seek [mine]_2923-he . [The man [Fortis]_195-fortis]_{6817-the man fortis} came to [me]_2923-he on [the river side]_{6818-the river side} last night . [He]_{6817-the man fortis} said to [me]_2923-he , ‘ [You]_2923-he like studying the dead , [they]_6814-they say ; have [my]_2923-he dead for a copper coin . [I]_2923-he am starving;—and it can not hurt [her]_6819-her . ’ So [I]_2923-he gave [him]_{6817-the man fortis} the coin — though [I]_2923-he am as poor as [he]_{6817-the man fortis} — and [I]_2923-he took [the dead woman]_{910-the dead woman} . Why do [you]_2923-he look like that ? It is nothing to [you]_2923-he ; [the girl]_{5116-the girl} shall go to [[her]_{5116-the girl} grave]_{6822-her grave} when [I]_2923-he have done with [her]_{5116-the girl} . [She]_{910-the dead woman} bent [her]_{910-the dead woman} head in assent . It was nothing to [her]_{910-the dead woman} ; and yet it filled [her]_{910-the dead woman} with a cruel feverish jealousy , it weighed on [her]_{910-the dead woman} with a curious pain . [She]_{910-the dead woman} did not care for the body lying there — it had been but the other day that [the dead girl]_{2929-the dead girl} had shot [her]_{2929-the dead girl} lips out at [her]_{910-the dead woman} in mockery and called [her]_{910-the dead woman} names from a balcony in [an old ruined house]_{6824-an old ruined house} as [the boat]_{1942-the boat} drifted past it;—but there passed over [her]_{910-the dead woman} a dreary shuddering remembrance that [she]_{910-the dead woman} , likewise , might one day lie thus before [him]_2923-he and be no more to [him]_2923-he than this . [The people]_{4948-the people} said that [he]_2923-he who studied death , brought death . The old wistful longing that had moved [her]_{910-the dead woman} , when [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} had died , to lay [her]_{910-the dead woman} down in the cool water and let it take [her]_{910-the dead woman} to long sleep and to complete forgetfulness , returned to [her]_{910-the dead woman} again . Since the dead were of value to [him]_2923-he , best , [she]_{910-the dead woman} thought , be of [them]_{4948-the people} , and lie here in that dumb still serenity , caressed by [his]_2923-he touch and [his]_2923-he regard . For , in a manner , [she]_{910-the dead woman} was jealous of [this woman]_{915-this woman} , as of [some living rival who had , in [her]_{910-the dead woman} absence , filled [her]_{910-the dead woman} place and been of use to [him]_2923-he and escaped [his]_2923-he thought]_{6828-some living rival who had , in her absence , filled her place and been of use to him and escaped his thought} . Any ghastliness or inhumanity in this search of [his]_2923-he for the truth of [his]_2923-he art amidst the frozen limbs and rigid muscles of a corpse , never occurred to [her]_{910-the dead woman} . To [her]_{910-the dead woman} [he]_2923-he was like [a deity]_{6829-a deity} ; to [her]_{910-the dead woman} these poor weak shreds of broken human lives , these fragile empty vessels , whose wine of life had been spilled like water that runs to waste , seemed beyond measurement to be exalted when deemed by [him]_2923-he of value . [She]_{910-the dead woman} would have thought no more of grudging [them]_{4948-the people} in [his]_2923-he employ and in [his]_2923-he service than [priests of [Isis]_197-isis or of [Eleusis]_63-eleusis]_{6830-priests of isis or of eleusis} would have begrudged the sacrificed lives of the beasts and birds that smoked upon [their]_{6830-priests of isis or of eleusis} temple altars . To die at [his]_2923-he will and be of use to [him;—this]_2923-he seemed to [her]_{910-the dead woman} the most supreme glory fate could hold ; and [she]_{910-the dead woman} envied [[the rag‐picker]_{6811-the rag‐picker} ’s daughter]_{6812-the rag‐picker ’s daughter} lying there in such calm content . “_[2923-he] Why do [you]_2932-you look so much at [her]_2933-her ? ” [he]_2923-he said at length . “_[2932-you] [I]_0-her shall do [her]_2933-her no harm ; if [I]_0-her did , what would [she]_2933-her know ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her was not thinking of [her]_2933-her , ” [she]_0-her answered slowly , with a certain perplexed pain upon [her]_0-her face . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her was thinking [I]_0-her might be of more use to [you]_0-her if [I]_0-her were dead ! [You]_0-her must not kill [me]_0-her , because [men]_364-men would hurt [you]_0-her for that ; but if [you]_0-her wish , [I]_0-her will kill [myself]_0-her to‐night . [I]_0-her have often thought of it lately . ” [He]_6833-he started at the strangeness and suddenness of the words spoken steadily and with perfect sincerity and simplicity in the dialect of [the district]_{295-the district} , with no sense in [their]_6835-their speaker of anything unusual being offered in [them]_6835-their . [His]_6833-he eyes tried to search the expression of [her]_0-her face with greater interest and curiosity than [they]_6835-their had ever done ; and [they]_6835-their gained from [their]_6835-their study but little . For the innumerable emotions awakening in [her]_0-her were only dimly shadowed there , and had in [them]_6835-their the confusion of all imperfect expressions . [He]_6833-he could not tell whether here there was [a great soul struggling through the bonds of an intense ignorance and stupefaction]_{6836-a great soul struggling through the bonds of an intense ignorance and stupefaction} , or whether there were only before [him]_6833-he an animal perfect , in its physical development , but mindless as any clod of earth . [He]_6833-he did not know how to answer [her]_0-her . “_[0-her] Why should [you]_0-her think of death ? ” [he]_6833-he said at last . “_[0-her] Is [your]_0-her life so bitter to [you]_0-her ? ” [She]_0-her stared at [him]_6833-he . “_[0-her] Is a beaten dog ’s bitter ? Or is a goaded ox ’s sweet ? ” “_[0-her] But [you]_0-her are so young,—and [you]_0-her are handsome , and [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ? ” [She]_0-her laughed a little . “_{[4876-a woman]} [A woman]_{4876-a woman} ! [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} said that . ” “_{[135-marcellin]} Well ! What is there strange in saying it ? ” [She]_0-her pointed to the corpse which the last sun‐rays were brightening , till the limbs were as alabaster and the hair was as gold . “_{[4876-a woman]} That was [a woman]_{4876-a woman} — [a creature that is white and rose , and has yellow hair and laughs in the faces of]_{2938-a creature that is white and rose , and has yellow hair and laughs in the faces of} [men]_364-men , and has [a mother that kisses [her]_{2940-a mother that kisses her lips , and sees the children come to play at her knees} lips , and sees [the children]_{452-the children} come to play at [her]_{2940-a mother that kisses her lips , and sees the children come to play at her knees} knees]_{2940-a mother that kisses her lips , and sees the children come to play at her knees} . [I]_0-her am [not one]_{2942-not one} . [I]_0-her am [a devil]_{678-a devil} , [they]_2944-they say . ” [His]_364-men mouth smiled with a touch of sardonic humour , whose acrimony and whose irony escaped [her]_0-her . “_[2944-they] What have [you]_0-her done so good , or so great , that [[your]_0-her world]_{2945-your world} should call [you]_0-her so ? ” [Her]_0-her eyes clouded and lightened alternately . “_[0-her] [You]_0-her do not believe that [I]_0-her am [a devil]_{678-a devil} ? ” “_[0-her] How should [I]_0-her tell ? If [you]_0-her covet the title claim [it,—you]_{2947-it,—you} have a right,—you are [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ! ” “_{[4876-a woman]} Always [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ! ” [she]_0-her muttered with disappointment and with impatience . “_{[4876-a woman]} Always [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , ” [he]_{2951-your creator} echoed as [he]_{2951-your creator} pointed to the god [Hermes]_164-hermes . “_{[4876-a woman]} And there is [[your]_{4876-a woman} creator]_{2951-your creator} . ” “_{[2951-your creator]} [He]_{2951-your creator} ! ” [She]_0-her looked rapidly and wistfully at [the white‐winged god]_{6837-the white‐winged god} . “_{[2951-your creator]} Yes . [He]_{2951-your creator} made [Woman]_339-woman ; for [he]_{2951-your creator} made [her]_339-woman mind out of treachery and [her]_339-woman words out of empty wind . [Hephæstus]_{198-hephæstus} made [her]_339-woman heart , fusing for it brass and iron . [Their]_2953-their work has worn well . It has not changed in all these ages!—But what is [your]_{4876-a woman} history ? Go and lie yonder , where [you]_{4876-a woman} were last night , and tell [me]_0-her [your]_{4876-a woman} story while [I]_0-her work . ” [She]_0-her obeyed [him]_{2951-your creator} and told [him]_{2951-your creator} what [she]_0-her knew ; lying there , where [he]_{2951-your creator} had motioned [her]_0-her , in the shadow under the figures of [the three grandsons of [Chaos]_199-chaos]_{6838-the three grandsons of chaos} . [He]_{2951-your creator} listened , and wrought on at [her]_0-her likeness . The story , as [she]_0-her told it in [her]_0-her curt imperfect words , was plain enough to [him]_{2951-your creator} , though to [herself]_0-her obscure . It had in some little measure a likeness to [his]_{2951-your creator} own . It awakened a certain compassion for [her]_0-her in [his]_{2951-your creator} heart , which was rarely moved to anything like pity . For to [him]_{2951-your creator} nature was so much and [man]_4882-man so little , [the one so majestic and so exhaustless]_{6840-the one so majestic and so exhaustless} , the other so small and so ephemeral , that human wants and human woes touched [him]_{2951-your creator} but very slightly . [His]_{2951-your creator} own , even at [their]_6841-their darkest , moved [him]_{2951-your creator} rather to self‐contempt than to self‐compassion , for these were evils of the body and of the senses . As [a boy]_{5154-a boy} [he]_{2951-your creator} had had no ear to the wail of the frozen and famishing people wandering homeless over [the waste of drifted snow]_{6843-the waste of drifted snow} , where but the night before [a village]_{6844-a village} had nestled in [the mountain hollow]_{6845-the mountain hollow} ; all [his]_{2951-your creator} senses had been given in a trance of awe and rapture to the voices of the great winds sweeping down from [the heights]_{6846-the heights} through the pine‐forests , and of the furious seas below , gnashing and raging on [the wreck‐strewn sand]_{6847-the wreck‐strewn sand} . It was with these last that [he]_{2951-your creator} had had kinship and communion , these endured always ; but for [the men]_{450-the men} [they]_{450-the men} slew , what were [they]_{450-the men} more in the great sum of time than forest‐leaves or [ocean driftwood]_{6849-ocean driftwood} ? And , indeed , to [those who are alive to the nameless , universal , eternal soul which breathes in all the grasses of [the fields]_{316-the fields}]_{6850-those who are alive to the nameless , universal , eternal soul which breathes in all the grasses of the fields} , and beams in the eyes of [all creatures of earth and air , and throbs in the living light of palpitating stars , and thrills through the young sap of forest trees]_{6852-all creatures of earth and air , and throbs in the living light of palpitating stars , and thrills through the young sap of forest trees} , and stirs in the strange loves of wind‐borne plants , and hums in every song of the bee , and burns in every quiver of the flame , and [peoples with sentient myriads every drop of dew that gathers on a hare‐bell]_{6853-peoples with sentient myriads every drop of dew that gathers on a hare‐bell} , every bead of water that ripples in [a brook]_{6854-a brook} — to these the mortal life of [man]_4882-man can seem but little , save at once the fiercest and the feeblest thing that does exist ; at once [the most cruel and the most impotent]_{6856-the most cruel and the most impotent} ; [tyrant of direst destruction and bondsman of lowest captivity]_{6857-tyrant of direst destruction and bondsman of lowest captivity} . Hence , pity entered very little into [his]_{2951-your creator} thoughts at any time ; the perpetual tortures of life did indeed perplex [him]_{2951-your creator} , as it perplexes [every thinking creature]_{6858-every thinking creature} , with wonder at the universal bitterness that taints all creation , at the universal death whereby all forms of life are nurtured , at the universal anguish of all existence which daily and nightly assails [the unknown God]_{6859-the unknown god} in piteous protest at the inexorable laws of inexplicable miseries and mysteries . But because such suffering was thus universal , therefore [he]_{2951-your creator} almost ceased to feel pity for it ; of the two [he]_{2951-your creator} pitied the beasts far more than the human kind:—the horse staggering beneath the lash in all the feebleness of hunger , lameness , and old age ; the ox bleeding from the goad on the hard furrows , or stumbling through [the hooting crowd , blind , footsore , and shivering]_{6860-the hooting crowd , blind , footsore , and shivering} , to [its last home in [the slaughter‐house]_{6862-the slaughter‐house}]_{6861-its last home in the slaughter‐house} ; the dog , yielding up [its]_6863-its noble life inch by inch under the tortures of the knife , loyally licking the hand of [the vivisector]_{2733-the vivisector} while [he]_{2951-your creator} drove [his]_{2951-your creator} probe through its quivering nerves ; the unutterable hell in which [all these gentle , kindly and long‐suffering creatures]_{6865-all these gentle , kindly and long‐suffering creatures} dwelt for the pleasure or the vanity , the avarice or the brutality of men,—these [he]_{2951-your creator} pitied perpetually , with a tenderness for [them]_{6865-all these gentle , kindly and long‐suffering creatures} that was the softest thing in all [his]_{2951-your creator} nature . But when [he]_{2951-your creator} saw [men]_364-men and [women]_365-women suffer [he]_{2951-your creator} often smiled , not ill pleased . It seemed to [him]_{2951-your creator} that the worst [they]_{6865-all these gentle , kindly and long‐suffering creatures} could ever endure was only such simple retribution , such mere fair measure of all the agonies [they]_{6865-all these gentle , kindly and long‐suffering creatures} cast broadcast . Therefore [he]_{2951-your creator} pitied [her]_365-women now for what repulsed all others from [her]_365-women — that [she]_365-women had so little apparent humanity , and that [she]_365-women was so like an animal in [her]_365-women strength and weakness , and in [her]_365-women ignorance of both [her]_365-women rights and wrongs . Therefore [he]_{2951-your creator} pitied [her]_365-women ; and there was that in [her]_365-women strange kind of beauty , in [her]_365-women half‐savage , half‐timid attitudes , in [her]_365-women curt , unlearned , yet picturesque speech , which attracted [him]_{2951-your creator} . Besides , although solitude was [his]_{2951-your creator} preference , [he]_{2951-your creator} had been for more than two years utterly alone , [his]_{2951-your creator} loneliness broken only by the companionship of boors , with whom [he]_{2951-your creator} had not had one thought in common . The extreme poverty in which the latter months of [his]_{2951-your creator} life had been passed , had excluded [him]_{2951-your creator} from all human society , since [he]_{2951-your creator} could have sought none without betraying [his]_{2951-your creator} necessities . The alms‐seeking visit of [some man even more famished and desperate than [himself]_{2951-your creator}]_{6868-some man even more famished and desperate than himself} , such as [the rag‐picker who had brought [the dead girl]_{2929-the dead girl} to [him]_{2951-your creator} for a few brass coins]_{6869-the rag‐picker who had brought the dead girl to him for a few brass coins} , had been the only relief to the endless monotony of [his]_{2951-your creator} existence , a relief that made such change in it worse than its continuance . In [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} for the first time in two long , bitter , colourless , hated years , there was something which aroused [his]_{2951-your creator} interest and [his]_{2951-your creator} curiosity , [some one to whom impulse]_{6871-some one to whom impulse} led [him]_{2951-your creator} to speak the thoughts of [his]_{2951-your creator} mind with little concealment . [She]_{2929-the dead girl} seemed , indeed , scarcely more than a wild beast , half‐tamed , inarticulate , defiant , shy , it might be even , if aroused , ferocious ; but it was an animal whose eyes dilated in quickening sympathy with all [his]_{2951-your creator} moods , and an animal whom , at a glance , [he]_{2951-your creator} knew would , in time , crawl to [him]_{2951-your creator} or combat for [him]_{2951-your creator} as [he]_{2951-your creator} chose . [He]_{2951-your creator} talked to [her]_{2929-the dead girl} now , much on the same impulse that moves [a man]_{4875-a man} , long imprisoned , to converse with the spider that creeps on the floor , with the mouse that drinks from [his]_{2951-your creator} pitcher , and makes [him]_{2951-your creator} treat like an intelligent being the tiny flower growing blue and bright between the stones , which is all that brings life into [his]_{2951-your creator} loneliness . The prison door once flung open , the sunshine once streaming across the darkness , the fetters once struck off , [the captive]_{6873-the captive} once free to go out again amongst [[his]_{6873-the captive} fellows]_{1912-his fellows} , then — the spider is left to miss the human love that [it]_6875-it has learnt , the mouse is left to die of thirst , the little blue flower is left to fade out as it may in the stillness and the gloom alone . Then they are nothing : but while the prison doors are still locked they are much . [Here]_1434-here [the gaoler]_{6877-the gaoler} was poverty , and [the prison]_{6878-the prison} was [the world]_{268-the world} ’s neglect , and [they]_6880-they who lay bound were high hopes , great aspirations , impossible dreams , immeasurable ambitions , all swathed and fettered , and straining to be free with dumb , mad force against bonds that would not break . And in these , in [their]_6880-they bondage , there were little patience , or sympathy , or softness , and to [them]_6880-they , even nature itself at times looked horrible , though never so horrible , because never so despicable as humanity . Yet , still even in these an instinct of companionship abided ; and this creature , with [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s beauty , and an animal ’s fierceness and innocence , was in a manner welcome . “_{[4876-a woman]} Why were [women]_365-women ever made then ? ” [she]_{4876-a woman} said , after awhile , following , though imperfectly , the drift of [his]_{2951-your creator} last words , where [she]_{4876-a woman} lay stretched , obedient to [his]_{2951-your creator} will , under the shadow of the wall . [He]_{2951-your creator} smiled the smile of one who recalls some story [he]_{2951-your creator} has heard from the raving lips of [some friend fever‐stricken]_{6882-some friend fever‐stricken} . “_[365-women] Once , long ago , in [the far East]_{2955-the far east} , there dwelt [a saint]_{4870-a saint} in [the desert]_{2040-the desert} . [He]_{4870-a saint} was content in [his]_{4870-a saint} solitude : [he]_{4870-a saint} was holy and at peace : the honey of the wild bee and the fruit of the wild tamarisk tree sufficed to feed [him]_{4870-a saint} ; the lions were [[his]_{4870-a saint} ministers]_{2958-his ministers} , and [the hyenas]_{2959-the hyenas} were [[his]_{4870-a saint} slaves]_{2960-his slaves} ; the eagle flew down for [his]_{4870-a saint} blessing , and the winds and the storms were [[his]_{4870-a saint} messengers]_{2961-his messengers} ; [he]_{4870-a saint} had killed the beast in [him]_{4870-a saint} , and the soul alone had dominion ; and day and night , upon the lonely air , [he]_{4870-a saint} breathed the praise of [God]_118-god . “ Years went with [him]_{4870-a saint} thus , and [he]_{4870-a saint} grew old , and [he]_{4870-a saint} said to [himself]_{4870-a saint} , ‘ [I]_{4870-a saint} have lived content ; so shall [I]_{4870-a saint} die purified , and ready for the kingdom of [heaven]_1212-heaven . ’ For it was in the day when [that wooden god , who hangs on the black cross yonder]_{6884-that wooden god , who hangs on the black cross yonder} , was not a lifeless effigy as now , but a name of power and of might , adjuring , while [[his]_{4870-a saint} people]_{492-his people} smiled under torture , and died in the flame , dreaming of [a land where the sun never set]_{6886-a land where the sun never set} , and the song never ceased , and [the faithful]_{6887-the faithful} for ever were at rest . So the years , [I]_{4870-a saint} say , went by with [him]_{4870-a saint} , and [he]_{4870-a saint} was glad and at peace . “_{[4870-a saint]} One night , when the thunder rolled and [the rain‐torrents]_{2962-the rain‐torrents} fell to the door of [[his]_{4870-a saint} cave]_{2963-his cave} there came [a wayfarer]_{603-a wayfarer} , fainting , sickly , lame , trembling with terror of [the desert]_{2040-the desert} , and beseeching [him]_{4870-a saint} to save [her]_{603-a wayfarer} from the panthers . “ [He]_{4870-a saint} was loth , and dreaded to accede to [her]_{603-a wayfarer} prayer , for [he]_{4870-a saint} said , ‘ Wheresoever [a woman]_{4876-a woman} enters , there the content of [man]_4882-man is dead . ’ But [she]_{603-a wayfarer} was in dire distress , and entreated [him]_{4870-a saint} with tears and supplications not to turn [her]_{603-a wayfarer} adrift for the lightning and the lions to devour : and [he]_{4870-a saint} felt the old human pity steal on [him]_{4870-a saint} , and [he]_{4870-a saint} opened the door to [her]_{603-a wayfarer} , and bade [her]_{603-a wayfarer} enter and take sanctuary there in [God]_118-god ’s name . “_{[4870-a saint]} But when [she]_{603-a wayfarer} had entered , age , and sickness , and want fell from off [her]_{603-a wayfarer} , [her]_{603-a wayfarer} eyes grew as two stars , [her]_{603-a wayfarer} lips were sweet as the rose of [the desert]_{2040-the desert} , [her]_{603-a wayfarer} limbs had the grace of the cheetah , [her]_{603-a wayfarer} body had the radiance and the fragrance of frankincense on an altar of gold . “ And [she]_{603-a wayfarer} laughed in [his]_{4870-a saint} beard , and cried , saying ‘ [Thou]_6890-thou thinkest [thou]_6890-thou hast lived , and yet [thou]_6890-thou hast not loved ? Oh sage ! [oh saint]_{6891-oh saint} ! [oh fool]_{6892-oh fool} , [fool]_4877-fool , [fool]_4877-fool ! ’ then into [his]_{4870-a saint} veins there rushed youth , and into [his]_{4870-a saint} brain there came madness ; the life [he]_{4870-a saint} had led seemed but death , and eternity loathsome since passionless ; and [he]_2968-he stretched [his]_2968-he arms to [her]_{603-a wayfarer} and sought to embrace [her]_{603-a wayfarer} , crying , ‘ Stay with [me]_2967-she , though [I]_2967-she buy [thee]_{603-a wayfarer} with hell . ’ And [she]_2967-she stayed . “_[2967-she] But when the morning broke [she]_2967-she left [him]_2968-he , laughing , gliding like a phantom from [his]_2968-he arms , and out into the red sunlight , and across [the desert sand]_{2969-the desert sand} , laughing , laughing , always , and mocking [him]_2968-he whilst [she]_2967-she beckoned . [He]_2968-he pursued [her]_2967-she , chasing [her]_2967-she through the dawn , through the noon , through the night . [He]_2968-he never found [her]_2967-she ; [she]_2967-she had vanished as the rose of the rainbow fades out of the sky . “ [He]_2968-he searched for [her]_2967-she in [every city]_{6895-every city} , and in [every land]_{6896-every land} . [Some]_549-some say [he]_2968-he searches still , doomed to live on through every age , and powerless to die . ”_{[172-arslàn]} [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had a certain power over words as over colour . Like [all true painters]_{2970-all true painters} , the fibre of [his]_172-arslàn mind was sensuous and poetic , though the quality of passionate imagination was in [him]_172-arslàn welded with a coldness and a stillness of temper born in [him]_172-arslàn with [his]_172-arslàn northern blood . [He]_2968-he had dwelt much in [Asiatic countries]_{2971-asiatic countries} , and much of the philosophies and much of the phraseology of [the East]_{14-the east} remained with [him]_2968-he . Something even there seemed in [him]_2968-he of the mingled asceticism and sensualism , the severe self‐denial , with the voluptuous fancy of [the saints who once had peopled [the deserts]_{6167-the deserts} in which [he]_2968-he had in [his]_2968-he turn delighted to dwell , free and lonely , scorning [women]_365-women and [deserting man]_{2975-deserting man}]_{2972-the saints who once had peopled the deserts in which he had in his turn delighted to dwell , free and lonely , scorning women and deserting man} . [He]_2968-he spoke seldom , being by nature silent ; but when [he]_2968-he did speak [his]_2968-he language was unconsciously varied into picture‐like formations . [She]_2976-her listened breathless , with the colour in [her]_2976-her cheeks and the fire brooding in [her]_2976-her eyes , [her]_2976-her unformed mind catching the swift shadowy allegories of [his]_2968-he tale by force of the poetic instincts in [her]_2976-her . [No one]_{264-no one} had ever talked to [her]_2976-her thus ; and yet it seemed clear to [her]_2976-her and beautiful , like the story which [the great sunflowers]_{2978-the great sunflowers} told as they swayed to and fro in the light , like the song that the bright brook water sung as it purled and sparkled under the boughs . “ That is true ! ”_[2976-her] [she]_2976-her said , suddenly , at length . “ It is [a saint]_{4870-a saint} ’s story in substance ; it is true in spirit for all time . ”_[2976-her] [Her]_2976-her breath came with a sharp , swift , panting sound . [She]_2976-her was blinded with the new light that broke in on [her]_2976-her . “ If [I]_172-arslàn be [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , shall [I]_172-arslàn then be such [a woman as that]_{6900-a woman as that} ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [Arslàn]_172-arslàn rested [his]_172-arslàn eyes on [her]_2976-her with a grave , half sad , half sardonic smile . “ Why not ? [You]_2976-her are [[the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s daughter]_{1243-the devil ’s daughter} , [you]_2976-her say . Of such are [[men]_364-men ’s kingdom of [heaven]_1212-heaven]_{6904-men ’s kingdom of heaven} ! ”_{[172-arslàn]} [She]_2976-her pondered long upon [his]_172-arslàn answer ; [she]_2976-her could not comprehend it ; [she]_2976-her had understood the parable of [his]_172-arslàn narrative , yet the passion of it had passed [her]_2976-her by , and the evil shut in it had escaped [her]_2976-her . “ Do , then , [men]_364-men love what destroys [them]_364-men ? ”_[2976-her] [she]_2976-her asked , slowly . “ Always ! ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn made answer , still with that same smile as of one who remembers hearkening to the delirious ravings round [him]_172-arslàn in a madhouse through which [he]_172-arslàn has walked — [himself]_172-arslàn sane — in a bygone time . “ [I]_2976-her do not want love , ”_[2976-her] [she]_2976-her said , suddenly , while [her]_2976-her brain , half strong , half feeble , struggled to fit [her]_2976-her thoughts to words . “ [I]_2976-her want , [I]_2976-her want , to have power as [the priest]_{5122-the priest} has on [the people]_{4948-the people} when [he]_{5122-the priest} says , ‘ pray ! ’ and [they]_{4948-the people} pray . ”_[2976-her] “ Power ! ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn echoed , as [the devotee]_{2979-the devotee} echoes the name of [[his]_172-arslàn god]_{5800-his god} . “ Who does not ? But do [you]_172-arslàn think [the woman that tempted the saint]_{6909-the woman that tempted the saint} had none ? If ever [you]_172-arslàn reach [that kingdom]_{6910-that kingdom} such power will become [yours]_172-arslàn . ”_{[172-arslàn]} A proud glad exultation swept over [her]_2976-her face for a moment . It quickly faded . [She]_2976-her did not believe in a future . How many times had [she]_2976-her not , since the hand of [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} first struck [her]_2976-her , prayed with all the passion of [a child]_{657-a child} ’s dumb agony that the dominion of [[her]_2976-her Father]_{389-her father} ’s power might come to [her]_2976-her . And [the great Evil]_{2983-the great evil} had never hearkened . [He]_172-arslàn , whom [all men around [her]_2976-her feared]_{2984-all men around her feared} , had made [her]_2976-her no sign that [he]_172-arslàn heard , but left [her]_2976-her to blows , to solitude , to continual hunger , to perpetual toil . “ [I]_2976-her have prayed to [the devil]_{4853-the devil} again and again and [he]_{4853-the devil} will not hear , ”_[2976-her] [she]_2976-her muttered . “ [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} says that [he]_{4853-the devil} has ears for all . But for [me]_2976-her [he]_{4853-the devil} has none . ”_[2976-her] “ [He]_{4853-the devil} has too much to do to hear all . [All the nations of [the earth]_{288-the earth}]_{6912-all the nations of the earth} beseech [him]_{4853-the devil} . [Yonder man]_{6914-yonder man} on the cross [they]_{6914-yonder man} adjure with [their]_{6914-yonder man} mouths indeed ; but it is [[your]_6915-you god]_{4869-your god} only whom in [their]_{6914-yonder man} hearts [they]_{6914-yonder man} worship . See how [the Christ]_{6917-the christ} hangs [his]_{6917-the christ} head : [he]_{6917-the christ} is so weary of lip‐service . ”_{[172-arslàn]} “ But since [they]_{6914-yonder man} give [the Christ]_113-christ so many temples , why do [they]_{6914-yonder man} raise none to the devil ? ”_[2976-her] “ Chut ! [No man]_{392-no man} builds altars to [[his]_{392-no man} secret god]_{6919-his secret god} . Look [you]_6915-you : [I]_172-arslàn will tell [you]_6915-you another story . Once , in [an Eastern land]_{6920-an eastern land} , there was [a temple dedicated to all the deities of [all the peoples that worshipped under the sun]_{6922-all the peoples that worshipped under the sun}]_{6921-a temple dedicated to all the deities of all the peoples that worshipped under the sun} . There were many statues and rare ones ; statues of silver and gold , of ivory , and agate , and chalcedony , and there were altars raised before all , on which [every nation]_{1498-every nation} offered up sacrifice and burned incense before [its]_{1498-every nation} divinity . “_{[172-arslàn]} Now , [no nation]_{2985-no nation} would look at [the god of another]_{2986-the god of another} ; and [each people]_{2987-each people} clustered about the feet of [its]_{2987-each people} own fetish , and glorified [it]_{2986-the god of another} , crying out , ‘ There is [no god]_{2988-no god} but [this god]_{2989-this god} . ’ “ The noise was fearful , and the feuds were many , and [the poor king , whose thought it had been to erect such a temple]_{6924-the poor king , whose thought it had been to erect such a temple} , was confounded , and very sorrowful , and murmured , saying—‘I dreamed to beget universal peace and tolerance and harmony ; and lo ! there come of [my]_{5005-a stranger} thoughts nothing but discord and war . ’ “_{[5005-a stranger]} Then to [him]_2990-him there came [a stranger]_{5005-a stranger} , veiled , and claiming [no country]_{2992-no country} , and [he]_{5005-a stranger} said , ‘ [You]_2990-him were mad to dream religion could ever be peace , yet , be not disquieted ; give [me]_0-her but a little space and [I]_0-her will erect an altar whereat [all men]_{5168-all men} shall worship , leaving [[their]_{5168-all men} own gods]_{2994-their own gods} . ’ “ [The king]_{1227-the king} gave [him]_{5005-a stranger} permission ; and [he]_{5005-a stranger} raised up a simple stone , and on it [he]_{5005-a stranger} wrote , ‘ To the Secret Sin ! ’ and , being [a sorcerer]_{6926-a sorcerer} , [he]_{5005-a stranger} wrote with such a curious power , that showed the inscription to the sight of [each man]_{6927-each man} , but blinded [him]_{5005-a stranger} whilst [he]_{5005-a stranger} gazed on it to all sight of [[his]_{5005-a stranger} fellows]_{1912-his fellows} . “_{[6927-each man]} And [each man]_{6927-each man} forsook [[his]_{6927-each man} god]_{5800-his god} , and came and kneeled before this nameless altar , each bowing down before it , and each believing [himself]_{6927-each man} in solitude . [The poor forsaken gods]_{2997-the poor forsaken gods} stood naked and alone ; there was [not one man left to worship one of [them]_{2997-the poor forsaken gods}]_{2998-not one man left to worship one of them} . ” [She]_6929-she listened ; [her]_6929-she eloquent eyes fixed on [him]_{5005-a stranger} , [her]_6929-she lips parted , [her]_6929-she fancy fantastic and full of dreams , strengthened by loneliness , and unbridled through ignorance , steeping itself in every irony and every phantasy , and every shred of knowledge that [Chance]_131-chance , [[her]_6929-she only teacher]_{1067-her only teacher} , cast to [her]_6929-she . [She]_6929-she sat thinking , full of a vague sad pity for that denied and forsaken [God]_118-god on the cross , by [the river]_{356-the river} , such as [she]_6929-she had never felt before ; since [she]_6929-she had always regarded [him]_{5005-a stranger} as the symbol of cruelty , of famine and of hatred ; not knowing that these are only the colours which all deities alike reflect from the hearts of [the peoples that worship [them]_{5171-all women}]_{6932-the peoples that worship them} . “_{[2998-not one man left to worship one of them]} If [I]_0-her had [a god]_{942-a god} , ” [she]_6929-she said , suddenly . “_{[2998-not one man left to worship one of them]} If [a god]_{942-a god} cared to claim [me]_0-her — [I]_0-her would be proud of [his]_{942-a god} worship everywhere . ” [Arslàn]_172-arslàn smiled . “_[0-her] [All women]_{5171-all women} have [a god]_{942-a god} ; that is why [they]_{5171-all women} are at once so much weaker and so much happier than [men]_364-men . ” “_{[5171-all women]} Who are [[their]_{5171-all women} gods]_{2136-their gods} ? ” “_{[5171-all women]} [Their]_{5171-all women} name is legion . [Innocent women]_{3005-innocent women} make [gods of [[their]_{3005-innocent women} offspring]_{5754-their offspring} , of [[their]_{3005-innocent women} homes]_{5236-their homes} , of [[their]_{3005-innocent women} housework]_{3009-their housework}]_{3006-gods of their offspring , of their homes , of their housework} , of [their]_{3005-innocent women} duties ; and are as cruel as tigresses meanwhile to all outside the pale of [[their]_{3005-innocent women} temples]_{3010-their temples} . [Others]_5531-others — less innocent — make [gods of their own forms and faces ; of bright stones dug from the earth , of vessels of gold and silver , of purple and fine linen , of passions , and vanities , and desires]_{3012-gods of their own forms and faces ; of bright stones dug from the earth , of vessels of gold and silver , of purple and fine linen , of passions , and vanities , and desires} ; gods that [they]_{5171-all women} consume [themselves]_{5171-all women} for in [their]_{5171-all women} youth , and that [they]_{5171-all women} curse , and beat , and upbraid in the days of [their]_{5171-all women} age . Which of [these gods]_{2708-these gods} will be [yours]_3014-yours ? ” [She]_0-her thought a while , steadily and wearily . “_{[516-none of them]} [None of [them]_{2708-these gods}]_{516-none of them} , ” [she]_0-her said at last . “_{[516-none of them]} None ? What will [you]_3014-yours put in [their]_{2708-these gods} stead , then ? ” [She]_0-her thought gravely some moments again . Although a certain terse and even poetic utterance was the shape which [her]_0-her spoken imagination naturally took at all times , ignorance and solitude had made it hard for [her]_0-her aptly to marry [her]_0-her thoughts to words . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her do not know , ” [she]_0-her said , wearily afresh . “_[0-her] [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} says that [every God]_{3016-every god} is deaf . [He]_{3016-every god} must be deaf — or very cruel . Look ; everything lives in pain ; and yet [no God]_{2988-no god} pities and makes an end of [earth]_5276-earth . [I]_0-her would — if [I]_0-her were [He]_{3016-every god} . Look ; at dawn , the other day , [I]_0-her was out in [the wood]_{545-the wood} . [I]_0-her came upon a little rabbit in a trap ; a little , pretty , soft , black‐and‐white thing , quite young . It was screaming in its horrible misery ’ ; it had been screaming all night . [Its]_3020-its thighs were broken in the iron teeth ; the trap held it tight ; it could not escape , it could only scream — scream — scream . All in vain . When [I]_0-her had set it free it was mangled as if a wolf had gnawed it : the iron teeth had bitten through the fur , and the flesh , and the bone ; it had lost so much blood and it was in so much pain , that it could not live . [I]_0-her laid it down in [the braken]_{3021-the braken} , and put water to its mouth , and did what [I]_0-her could ; but it was of no use . It had been too much hurt . [It]_3020-its died as the sun rose ; [a little , harmless , shy creature]_{3022-a little , harmless , shy creature} , and only asked to nibble a leaf or two , or sleep in a little round hole , and run about merry and free . How can one care for [a God]_{942-a god} since [he]_{942-a god} lets these things be ? ” [Arslàn]_172-arslàn smiled as [he]_172-arslàn heard . “_{[942-a god]} [Child,—men]_{3024-child,—men} care for [a god]_{942-a god} only as [a god]_{942-a god} means good to [them]_{3024-child,—men} . [Men]_364-men are [heirs of heaven]_{3028-heirs of heaven} , [they]_364-men say ; and , in right of [their]_364-men heritage , [they]_364-men make life hell to every living thing that dares dispute [the world]_{268-the world} with [them]_364-men . [You]_3030-she do not understand that,—tut ! [You]_3030-she are not human then . If [you]_3030-she were human , [you]_3030-she would begrudge a blade of grass to a rabbit , and arrogate to [yourself]_3030-she a lease of immortality . ” [She]_3030-she did not understand [him]_172-arslàn ; but [she]_3030-she felt that [she]_3030-she was honoured by [him]_172-arslàn , and not scorned as [others]_5531-others scorned [her]_3030-she , for being thus unlike [humanity]_{6934-humanity} . It was a bitter perplexity to [her]_3030-she , [this earth on which [she]_3030-she had been flung amidst [an alien people]_{6936-an alien people}]_{6935-this earth on which she had been flung amidst an alien people} ; that [she]_3030-she should suffer [herself]_3030-she seemed little to [her]_3030-she , it had become as a second nature ; but the sufferings of all [the innumerable tribes of creation]_{6937-the innumerable tribes of creation} , things of [the woods]_{344-the woods} , and [the field]_{290-the field} , and [the waters]_{373-the waters} , and the sky , that toiled and sweated and were hunted , and persecuted and wrenched in torment , and finally perished to gratify the appetites or the avarice of humanity , these sufferings were horrible to [her]_3030-she always : inexplicable , hideous , unpardonable,—a crime for which [she]_3030-she hated [God]_118-god and [Man]_4882-man . “_[3030-she] There is [no god]_{2988-no god} pitiful then ? ” [she]_3030-she said , at length , “_{[2988-no god]} [no god]_{2988-no god} — not one ? ” “_{[2988-no god]} Only those Three , ” [he]_4882-man answered [her]_3030-she , as [he]_4882-man motioned towards [the three brethren that watched above [her]_3030-she]_{6942-the three brethren that watched above her} . “_{[2988-no god]} Are [they]_3033-they [[your]_3034-you gods]_{3035-your gods} ? ” A smile that moved [her]_3030-she to a certain fear of [him]_4882-man passed a moment over [his]_4882-man mouth . “_[0-her] [[My]_0-her gods?—No]_{3036-my gods?—no} . [They]_3033-they are [the gods of youth and of age]_{3037-the gods of youth and of age} — not of manhood . ” “_[3033-they] What is [yours]_3034-you then ? ” “_[3034-you] [Mine?—a Moloch]_{200-mine?—a moloch} who consumes [[my]_0-her offspring]_{3038-my offspring} , yet in whose burning brazen hands [I]_0-her have put them and [myself]_0-her — for ever . ” [She]_3030-she looked at [him]_4882-man in awe and in reverence . [She]_3030-she imagined [him]_4882-man [the priest of some dark and terrible religion]_{6943-the priest of some dark and terrible religion} , for whose sake [he]_4882-man lapsed [his]_4882-man years in solitude and deprivation , and by whose powers [he]_4882-man created the wondrous shapes that rose and bloomed around [him]_4882-man . “_[0-her] Those are [gentler gods]_{3039-gentler gods} ? ” [she]_3030-she said timidly , raising [her]_3030-she eyes to [the brethren above [her]_3030-she]_{6944-the brethren above her} . “_{[3039-gentler gods]} Do [you]_3034-you never — will [you]_3034-you never — worship [them]_{3039-gentler gods} ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her have ceased to worship [them]_{3039-gentler gods} . In time — when [the world]_{268-the world} has utterly beaten [me]_0-her — no doubt [I]_0-her shall pray to one at least of [them]_{3039-gentler gods} . To that one , see , [the eldest of [the brethren]_{3042-the brethren}]_{3041-the eldest of the brethren} , who holds [his]_{3041-the eldest of the brethren} torch turned downwards . ” “_{[3041-the eldest of the brethren]} And [that god]_{3043-that god} is — ? ” “_{[3043-that god]} Death ! ” [She]_3030-she was silent . Was [this god]_{2989-this god} not [[her]_3030-she god]_{1332-her god} also ? Had [she]_3030-she not chosen [him]_{2989-this god} , and laid [her]_3030-she life down at [his]_{2989-this god} feet for [this man]_{1234-this man} ’s sake ? “_{[3043-that god]} [He]_{3043-that god} must never know;—he must never know , ” [she]_3030-she said again in [her]_3030-she heart . And [Thanatos]_167-thanatos [she]_3030-she knew would not betray [her]_3030-she ; for [Thanatos]_167-thanatos keeps all the secrets of [men]_364-men — [he]_167-thanatos , who alone of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} reads the truths of [men]_364-men ’s souls , and smiles , and shuts them in the hollow of [his]_167-thanatos hand , and lets [the braggart Time]_{6951-the braggart time} fly on with careless feet , telling what lies [he]_167-thanatos will to please [the world]_{268-the world} a little space . [Thanatos]_167-thanatos holds silence and can wait;—for [him]_167-thanatos must all things ripen , and , at last , to [him]_167-thanatos must all things fall . WHEN [she]_3030-she left [him]_167-thanatos that night , and went homeward , [he]_167-thanatos trimmed [his]_167-thanatos lamp and returned to [his]_167-thanatos labours of casting and modelling from the body of [[the rag‐picker]_{6811-the rag‐picker} ’s daughter]_{6812-the rag‐picker ’s daughter} . The work soon absorbed [him]_167-thanatos too entirely to leave any memory with [him]_167-thanatos of [the living woman]_{6955-the living woman} . [He]_167-thanatos did not know — and had [he]_167-thanatos known would not have heeded — that instead of going on [her]_3030-she straight path back to [Yprès]_11-yprès [she]_3030-she turned again , and , hidden amongst the rushes upon [the bank]_{2255-the bank} , crouched half sitting and half kneeling , to watch [him]_167-thanatos from [the river‐side]_{6957-the river‐side} . It was all dark and still , without ; nothing came near , except now and then [some hobbled mule]_{6958-some hobbled mule} turned out to forage for [his]_167-thanatos evening meal , or some night‐browsing cattle straying out of bounds . Once or twice [a barge]_{6959-a barge} went slowly and sullenly by , its single light twinkling across the breadth of [the stream]_{374-the stream} , and the voice of [its steersman]_{6961-its steersman} calling huskily through the fog . [A drunken peasant]_{6962-a drunken peasant} staggered across [the fields]_{316-the fields} singing snatches of a [republican march that broke roughly on the silence of the night]_{6964-republican march that broke roughly on the silence of the night} . [The young lambs]_{6965-the young lambs} bleated to [[their]_{6965-the young lambs} mothers]_{901-their mothers} in [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} , and the bells of [the old clock towers in [the town]_{482-the town}]_{6968-the old clock towers in the town} chimed [the quarters]_{6970-the quarters} with a Laus Deo in which all [their]_6971-their metal tongues joined musically . [She]_3030-she remained there undisturbed amongst the long grasses and the tufts of the reeds , gazing always into the dimly‐lighted interior where the pale rays of the oil flame lit up the white forms of the gods , the black shadows of the columns , the shapes of the wrestling lion and [the strangled gladiator]_{6972-the strangled gladiator} , the grey stiff frame and hanging hair of the dead body , and the bending figure of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn as [he]_172-arslàn stooped above the corpse and pursued the secret powers of [his]_172-arslàn art into the hidden things of death . To [her]_3030-she there seemed nothing terrible in a night thus spent , in a vigil thus ghastly ; it seemed to [her]_3030-she only a part of [his]_172-arslàn strength thus to make [[death,—men]_{6973-death,—men} ’s conqueror,—his servant]_{6974-death,—men ’s conqueror,—his servant} and [[his]_172-arslàn slave]_{2846-his slave} ; [she]_3030-she only begrudged every passionless touch that [his]_172-arslàn grasp gave to those frozen and rigid limbs which [he]_172-arslàn moved to and fro like so much clay ; [she]_3030-she only envied with a jealous thirst every cold caress that [his]_172-arslàn hand lent to that loose and lifeless hair which [he]_172-arslàn swept aside like so much flax . [He]_172-arslàn did not see ; [he]_172-arslàn did not know . To [him]_172-arslàn [she]_3030-she was no more than [any bronze‐winged , golden‐eyed insect that should have floated in on a night breeze and been painted by him and been cast out again upon the darkness]_{6976-any bronze‐winged , golden‐eyed insect that should have floated in on a night breeze and been painted by him and been cast out again upon the darkness} . [He]_172-arslàn worked more than half the night — worked until the small store of oil [he]_172-arslàn possessed burned itself out , and left [the hall]_{6097-the hall} to the feeble light of a young moon shining through dense vapours . [He]_172-arslàn dropped [his]_172-arslàn tools , and rose and walked to and fro on the width of the stone floor . [His]_172-arslàn hands felt chilled to the bone with the contact of the dead flesh ; [his]_172-arslàn breathing felt oppressed with the heavy humid air that lay like ice upon [his]_172-arslàn lungs . [The dead woman]_{910-the dead woman} was nothing to [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn had not once thought of the youth that had perished in [her]_{910-the dead woman} ; of the laughter that hunger had hushed for ever on the colourless lips ; of the passion blushes that had died out for ever on the ashen cheeks ; of the caressing hands of [mother]_6422-mother and of [lover that must have wandered amongst that curling hair]_{6980-lover that must have wandered amongst that curling hair} ; of [the children that should have slept on that white breast so smooth and cold beneath]_{6981-the children that should have slept on that white breast so smooth and cold beneath} [his]_172-arslàn hand . For these [he]_172-arslàn cared nothing , and thought as little . [The dead girl]_{2929-the dead girl} for [him]_172-arslàn had neither sex nor story ; and [he]_172-arslàn had studied all phases and forms of death too long to be otherwise than familiar with them all . Yet a certain glacial despair froze [his]_172-arslàn heart as [he]_172-arslàn left [her]_{910-the dead woman} body , lying there in the flicker of the struggling moonbeams , and , [himself]_172-arslàn , pacing to and fro in [his]_172-arslàn solitude , suffered a greater bitterness than death in [his]_172-arslàn doom of poverty and of obscurity . The years of [his]_172-arslàn youth had gone in fruitless labour , and the years of [his]_172-arslàn manhood were gliding after them , and yet [he]_172-arslàn had failed so utterly to make [his]_172-arslàn mark upon [[his]_172-arslàn generation]_{6655-his generation} that [he]_172-arslàn could only maintain [his]_172-arslàn life by the common toil of [the common hand‐labourer]_{6984-the common hand‐labourer} , and , if [he]_172-arslàn died on the morrow , there would not be one hand stretched out to save any one work of [his]_172-arslàn creation from [the housewife]_{5362-the housewife} ’s fires or the lime‐burner ’s furnace . Cold to [himself]_172-arslàn as to all others , [he]_172-arslàn said bitterly in [his]_172-arslàn soul , “_{[3043-that god]} What is Failure except Feebleness ? And what is it to miss one ’s mark except to aim wildly and weakly ? ” [He]_172-arslàn told [himself]_172-arslàn that harsh and inexorable truth a score of times , again and again , as [he]_172-arslàn walked backward and forward in the solitude which only that [one dead woman]_{6986-one dead woman} shared . [He]_172-arslàn told [himself]_172-arslàn that [he]_172-arslàn was [a madman]_{1877-a madman} , [a fool]_{4935-a fool} , who spent [his]_172-arslàn lifetime in search and worship of [a vain eidolon]_{6989-a vain eidolon} . [He]_172-arslàn told [himself]_172-arslàn that there must be in [him]_172-arslàn some radical weaknesses , some inalienable fault , that [he]_172-arslàn could not in all these years find strength enough to compel the world of [men]_364-men to honour [him]_172-arslàn . Agony overcame [him]_172-arslàn as [he]_172-arslàn thought and thought and thought , until [he]_172-arslàn scorned [himself]_172-arslàn ; the supreme agony of a strong nature that for once mistrusts itself as feebleness , of a great genius that for once despairs of itself as self‐deception . Had [he]_172-arslàn been [the fool of [[his]_172-arslàn vanities]_{6992-his vanities}]_{6991-the fool of his vanities} all [his]_172-arslàn youth upward ; and had [[his]_172-arslàn fellow‐men]_{6993-his fellow‐men} been only wise and clear of sight when [they]_{6993-his fellow‐men} had denied [him]_172-arslàn and refused to see excellence in any work of [his]_172-arslàn hand ? Almost , [he]_172-arslàn told [himself]_172-arslàn , it must be so . [He]_172-arslàn paused by the open casement , and looked outward , scarcely knowing what [he]_172-arslàn did . The mists were heavy ; the air was loaded with damp exhalations ; [the country]_{751-the country} was profoundly still ; above‐head only a few stars glimmered here and there through the haze . The peace , the silence , the obscurity were abhorrent to [him]_172-arslàn ; they seemed to close upon [him]_172-arslàn , and imprison [him]_172-arslàn ; far away were all the colour and the strength and the strain and the glory of living ; it seemed to [him]_172-arslàn as though [he]_172-arslàn were dead also , like [the woman on the tressel yonder]_{6995-the woman on the tressel yonder} ; dead in [some deep sea grave where the weight of the waters]_{6996-some deep sea grave where the weight of the waters} kept [him]_172-arslàn down and held [his]_172-arslàn hands powerless , and shut [his]_172-arslàn eyelids from all sight , while the living voices and the living footsteps of [men]_364-men came dimly on [his]_172-arslàn ear from [the world]_{268-the world} above ; voices not one of which uttered [his]_172-arslàn name ; footsteps , not one of which paused by [[his]_172-arslàn tomb]_{1694-his tomb} . It grew horrible to [him]_172-arslàn — this death‐in‐life , to which in the freshness of manhood [he]_172-arslàn often [himself]_172-arslàn condemned . “_[118-god] Oh , [God]_118-god ! ” [he]_172-arslàn , who believed in no God , muttered half aloud , “_[118-god] Let [me]_0-her be without love , wealth , peace , health , gladness , all [my]_0-her life long — let [me]_0-her be crippled , childless , beggared , hastened to the latest end of [my]_0-her days,—give [me]_0-her only to be honoured in [my]_0-her works ; give [me]_0-her only a name that [men]_364-men can not , if [they]_364-men wish , let die . Whether any ear greater than [man]_4882-man heard the prayer , who shall say ? Daily and nightly , through all the generations of [the world]_{268-the world} , [the human creature]_{3047-the human creature} implores from [his]_{3047-the human creature} Creator the secrets of [his]_{3047-the human creature} existence , and asks in vain . There is one answer indeed ; but it is the answer of [all the million races of [the universe]_{3049-the universe}]_{3048-all the million races of the universe} , which only cry , “ [We]_7000-we are born but to perish ; is Humanity a thing so high or pure that it should not claim exemption for the universal and inexorable law ? ”_{[3050-one mortal listener]} [One mortal listener]_{3050-one mortal listener} heard , hidden amongst the hollow sighing rushes , bathed in moonlight and the mists ; and the impersonal passion which absorbed [him]_{3050-one mortal listener} found echo in this inarticulate imperfect soul , just wakened in its obscurity to the first faint meanings of its mortal life , as a nest‐bird rouses in the dawn to the first faint pipe of its involuntary cry . [She]_3051-her barely knew what [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} sought , what [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} asked , and yet [her]_3051-her heart ached with [his]_{3050-one mortal listener} desire , and shared the bitterness of [his]_{3050-one mortal listener} denial . What kind of life [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} craved in the ages to come ; what manner of remembrance [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} yearned for from [the unborn races of [men]_364-men]_{3052-the unborn races of men} ; what thing it was which [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} besought should be given to [him]_{3050-one mortal listener} in the stead of all love , all peace , all personal woes and physical delights , [she]_3051-her did not know ; the future to [her]_3051-her had no meaning ; and the immortal fame which [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} craved was [an unknown god]_{3054-an unknown god} , of whose worship [she]_3051-her had no comprehension ; and yet [she]_3051-her vaguely felt that what [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} sought was that [his]_{3050-one mortal listener} genius still should live when [his]_{3050-one mortal listener} body should be destroyed , and that those mute , motionless , majestic shapes which arose at [his]_{3050-one mortal listener} bidding should become characters and speak for [him]_{3050-one mortal listener} to all the generations of [men]_364-men when [his]_{3050-one mortal listener} own mouth should be sealed dumb in death . This hunger of the soul which unmanned and tortured [him]_{3050-one mortal listener} , though the famine of the flesh had had no power to move [him]_{3050-one mortal listener} , thrilled [her]_3051-her with the instinct of its greatness . This thirst of the mind , which could not slake itself in common desires or sensual satiety , or any peace and pleasure of the ordinary life of [man]_4882-man , had likeness in it to that dim instinct which had made [her]_3051-her nerves throb at the glories of the changing skies , and [her]_3051-her eyes fill with tears at the sound of a bird ’s singing in the darkness of dawn , and [her]_3051-her heart yearn with vain nameless longing as for [some lost land]_{3057-some lost land} , for some forgotten home , in [the radiant hush of earth]_{3058-the radiant hush of earth} and air at sunrise . [He]_{3050-one mortal listener} suffered as [she]_3051-her suffered ; and a sweet new‐born sense of unity and of likeness stirred in [her]_3051-her amidst the bitter pity of [her]_3051-her soul . To [her]_3051-her [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} was as [a king]_{5063-a king} : and yet [he]_{3050-one mortal listener} was powerless . To give [him]_{3050-one mortal listener} power [she]_3051-her would have died a thousand deaths . “ [The gods]_{1366-the gods} gave [me]_3051-her life for [him]_{3050-one mortal listener} , ”_[3051-her] [she]_3051-her thought . “ [His]_{3050-one mortal listener} life instead of [mine]_3051-her ? Will [they]_{1366-the gods} forget?—Will [they]_{1366-the gods} forget ? ”_[3051-her] And where [she]_3051-her crouched in the gloom beneath [the bulrushes]_{3060-the bulrushes} [she]_3051-her flung [herself]_3051-her down prostrate in supplication , [her]_3051-her face buried in the long damp river‐grass . “ Oh , [Immortals]_{201-immortals} ! ”_[3051-her] [she]_3051-her implored in benighted , wistful , passionate faith , “ remember to give [me]_3051-her [his]_{3050-one mortal listener} life and take [mine]_3051-her . Do what [you]_{201-immortals} choose with [me]_3051-her ; forsake [me]_3051-her , kill [me]_3051-her ; cast [my]_3051-her body to fire , and [my]_3051-her ashes to the wind ; let [me]_3051-her be trampled like the dust , and despised as the chaff ; let [me]_3051-her be bruised , beaten , nameless , hated always ; let [me]_3051-her always suffer and always be scorned ; but grant [me]_3051-her this one thing — to give [him]_3062-him [his]_3062-him desire ! ”_[3051-her] For unless [the gods]_{1366-the gods} gave [him]_3062-him greatness , [she]_3051-her knew that vain would be the gift of life — the gift of mere length of years — which [she]_3051-her had bought for [him]_3062-him . [Her]_3051-her mind had been left blank as [a desert]_{4986-a desert} , whilst in its solitude dreams had sprung forth wind‐sown like wayside grasses , and vague desires wandered like wild doves ; but although blank the soil was rich and deep and virgin . Because [she]_3051-her had dwelt sundered from [[her]_3051-her kind]_{721-her kind} , [she]_3051-her had learned no evil ; a stainless though savage innocence had remained with [her]_3051-her . [She]_3051-her had been reared in hardship and inured to hunger until such pangs seemed to [her]_3051-her scarce worth the counting , save perhaps to see if they had been borne with courage and without murmur . On [her]_3051-her , profoundly unconscious of the meaning of any common luxury or any common comfort , the passions of natures more worldly‐wise , and better aware of the empire of gold , had no hold at any moment . To toil dully and be hungry and thirsty , and fatigued and footsore , had been [her]_3051-her daily portion . [She]_3051-her knew nothing of the innumerable pleasures and powers that [the rich]_{1875-the rich} command . [She]_3051-her knew scarcely of the existence of the simplest forms of civilization : therefore [she]_3051-her knew nothing of all that [he]_3062-him missed through poverty ; [she]_3051-her only perceived , by an unerring instinct of apprehension , all that [he]_3062-him gained through genius . [Her]_3051-her mind was profoundly ignorant ; [her]_3051-her character trained by cruelty only to endurance : yet [the soil]_{5632-the soil} was not rank , but only unfilled , not barren , but only unsown ; nature had made it generous , though fate had left it untilled ; it grasped the seed of the first great idea cast to it and held it firm , until it multiplied tenfold . The imagined danger to [them]_3067-them which [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} had believed to exist in [her]_3051-her had been as a strong buckler between the true danger to [her]_3051-her from the defilement of [their]_{703-the peasants} companionship and example ; [they]_{703-the peasants} had cursed [her]_3051-her as [they]_{703-the peasants} had passed , and [their]_{703-the peasants} curses had been [her]_3051-her blessing . Blind instincts had always moved in [her]_3051-her to the great and the good things of which [no man]_{392-no man} had taught [her]_3051-her in any wise . Left to [herself]_3051-her , and uncontaminated by [humanity]_{6934-humanity} , because proscribed by it , [she]_3051-her had known [no teachers of any sort]_{3071-no teachers of any sort} save the winds and [the waters]_{373-the waters} , the sun and the moon , the daybreak and the night , and these had breathed into [her]_3051-her an unconscious heroism , a changeless patience , a fearless freedom , a strange tenderness and callousness united . Ignorant though [she]_3051-her was , and abandoned to the darkness of all the superstitious and the sullen stupor amidst which [her]_3051-her lot was cast , there was yet that in [her]_3051-her which led [her]_3051-her to veneration of the purpose of [his]_3073-his life . [He]_3073-his desired not happiness , nor tenderness , nor bodily ease , nor sensual delight , but only this one thing — a name that should not perish from amongst the memories of [men]_364-men . And this desire seemed to [her]_3051-her sublime , divine ; not comprehending it , [she]_3051-her yet revered it . [She]_3051-her , who had seen [he]_3073-his souls of [the men around [her]_3051-her]_{3075-the men around her} set on a handful of copper coin , a fleece of wool , a load of fruit , a petty pilfering , a low gain in commerce , saw the greatness of [a hero]_{3076-a hero} ’s sacrifice in this supreme self‐negation which was willing to live unloved , and die forsaken by [[his]_3073-his kind]_{1838-his kind} , so that only the works of [his]_3073-his hand might endure , and [his]_3073-his thoughts be uttered in [them]_3078-them when [his]_3073-his body should be destroyed . It is true that [the great artist]_{3079-the great artist} is as [a fallen god who remembers a time when worlds arose at [his]_3073-his breath , and at [his]_3073-his bidding [the barren lands blossomed into fruitfulness]_{3081-the barren lands blossomed into fruitfulness}]_{3080-a fallen god who remembers a time when worlds arose at his breath , and at his bidding the barren lands blossomed into fruitfulness} ; the sorcery of the thyrsus is still [his]_3073-his , though weakened . The powers of lost dominion haunt [his]_3073-his memory ; the remembered glory of an eternal sun is in [his]_3073-his eyes , and makes the light of common day seem darkness ; the heart‐sickness of a long exile weighs on [him]_3073-his ; incessantly [he]_3073-his labours to overtake the mirage of a loveliness which fades as [he]_3073-his pursues it . In the poetic creation by which the bondage of [his]_3073-his material life is redeemed , [he]_3073-his finds at once ecstasy and disgust , because [he]_3073-his feels at once [his]_3073-his strength and weakness . For [him]_3073-his all things of [earth]_5276-earth and air , and [sea]_6206-sea and cloud , have beauty ; and to [his]_3073-his ear all voices of [the forest land]_{3084-the forest land} and [water world]_{3085-water world} are audible . [He]_3073-his is as [a god]_{942-a god} , since [he]_3073-his can call into palpable shape dreams born of impalpable thought ; as [a god]_{942-a god} , since [he]_3073-his has known the truth divested of lies , and has stood face to face with it , and been not afraid ; [a god]_{942-a god} thus . But a cripple , inasmuch as [his]_3073-his hand can never fashion the shapes that [his]_3073-his vision beholds ; [an alien]_{3089-an alien} , because [he]_3073-his has lost what [he]_3073-his never will find upon [earth]_5276-earth ; a beast , since ever and again [his]_3073-his passions will drag [him]_3073-his to wallow in the filth of sensual indulgence ; [a slave]_{5533-a slave} , since oftentimes the divinity that is in [him]_3073-his breaks and bends under the devilry that also is in [him]_3073-his , and [he]_3073-his obeys the instincts of vileness , and when [he]_3073-his would fain bless the nations [he]_3073-his curses [them]_3092-them . Some vague perception of this dawned on [her]_3093-her ; the sense was in [her]_3093-her to feel the beauty of art , and to be awed by it though [she]_3093-her could not have told what it was , nor why [she]_3093-her cared for it . And to [the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} , seemed to [her]_3093-her ennobled with a greatness that was the grandest thing [her]_3093-her blank and bitter fate had known . This was all wonderful , dreamful , awful to [her]_3093-her , and in a half savage , half poetic way , [she]_3093-her comprehended the one object of [his]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} life , and honoured it without doubt or question . No day from that time passed without [her]_3093-her spending the evening hours under the roof of [the haunted corn‐tower]_{3095-the haunted corn‐tower} . [She]_3093-her toiled all the other hours through , from the earliest time that the first flush of day lightened the starlit skies ; did not [he]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} toil too ? But when the sun set [she]_3093-her claimed [her]_3093-her freedom ; and [[her]_3093-her rulers]_{3096-her rulers} did not dare to say [her]_3093-her nay . A new and wondrous and exquisite life slowly opened to [her]_3093-her ; the life of the imagination . All these many years since the last song of [Phratos]_121-phratos had died off [her]_3093-her ear , had been spent by [her]_3093-her with no more culture and with no more pleasure than the mule had that [she]_3093-her led with [his]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} load along the miry ways in the sharp winter‐time . Yet even through that utter neglect , and that torpor of thought and feeling , some wild natural fancy had been astir in [her]_3093-her , some vague sense wakened that brought to [her]_3093-her in the rustle of leaves , in the sound of waters , in the curling breath of mists , in the white birth of lilies , in all the notes and hues of [the open‐air world]_{3097-the open‐air world} , a mystery and a loveliness that they did not bear for any of [those around [her]_3093-her]_{3098-those around her} . Now , in the words that [Arslàn]_172-arslàn cast to [her]_3093-her — often as idly and indifferently as [a man]_{4875-a man} casts bread to frozen birds on snow , birds that [he]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} pities and yet cares nothing for — the old religions , the old beliefs , became to [her]_3093-her living truths and [divine companions]_{3100-divine companions} . The perplexities of [the world]_{268-the world} grew little clearer to [her]_3093-her , indeed ; and the miseries of the animal creation no less hideous a mystery . The confusion of all things was in no wise clearer to [her]_3093-her ; even , it seemed , it deepened and grew more entangled . [He]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} could imbue [her]_3093-her with neither credulity nor contentment ; for [he]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} possessed neither , and despised both , as [the fool]_{833-the fool} ’s paradise of [those who , having climbed a sand‐hill , fancy that [they]_{3103-those who , having climbed a sand‐hill , fancy that they have ascended zion} have ascended [Zion]_64-zion]_{3103-those who , having climbed a sand‐hill , fancy that they have ascended zion} . The weariness , the unrest , the desire , the contempt of such a life as [his]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} can furnish anodyne neither to itself nor any other . But such consolations and possessions — and these are limitless — as the imagination can create , [he]_{3094-the man who ministered to it , who ruled it , and yet obeyed it} placed within [her]_3093-her reach . Before , [she]_3093-her had dreamed — dreamed all through the heaviness of toil and the gall of tyranny ; but [she]_3093-her had dreamed as a goatherd may upon [a mist‐swept hill]_{3104-a mist‐swept hill} by [the western seas]_{3105-the western seas} , while [all the earth]_{3106-all the earth} is dark , and only its dim fugitive waking sounds steal dully on the drowsy ear . But now , through the myths and parables which grew familiar to [her]_3093-her , [she]_3093-her dreamed almost as poets dream , bathed in the full flood of a setting sun on [the wild edge of]_{3107-the wild edge of} [the Campagna]_{65-the campagna} ; a light in which all common things of daily life grow glorious , and through whose rosy hues the only sound that comes is some rich dulcet bell which slowly swings in all the majesty and melody of prayer . [The land]_{4984-the land} was no more mute to [her]_3093-her , no more only [a hard and cruel place of labour and of butchery]_{3109-a hard and cruel place of labour and of butchery} , in which all creatures suffered and were cursed . All things rose to have [their]_3110-their story and [their]_3110-their symbol for [her]_3093-her ; Nature , remaining to [her]_3093-her that one sure solace and immeasurable mystery which [she]_3093-her had feebly felt it even in [her]_3093-her childhood , was brought closer to [her]_3093-her , and seemed fuller of compassion . All the forms and vices of the fair dead years of [the world]_{268-the world} seemed to grow visible and audible to [her]_3093-her , with those marvelous tales of the old heroic age which little by little [he]_3112-he unfolded to [her]_3093-her . In [the people around [her]_3093-her]_{3113-the people around her} , and in [their]_{3113-the people around her} faiths , [she]_3093-her had no belief ; [she]_3093-her wanted a faith , and found one in all these strange sweet stories of a perished time . [She]_3093-her had never thought that there had been any other generation before that which was present on [earth]_5276-earth with [herself]_3093-her ; any other existence than this narrow and sordid one which encircled [[her]_3093-her home]_{5555-her home} . That [men had lived who had fashioned those aërial wonders of the cathedral spires , and stained those vivid hues in its ancient casements]_{3116-men had lived who had fashioned those aërial wonders of the cathedral spires , and stained those vivid hues in its ancient casements} , had been a fact too remote to be known to [her]_3093-her , though for twelve years [her]_3093-her eyes had gazed at [them]_{3116-men had lived who had fashioned those aërial wonders of the cathedral spires , and stained those vivid hues in its ancient casements} in reverence of [their]_{3116-men had lived who had fashioned those aërial wonders of the cathedral spires , and stained those vivid hues in its ancient casements} loveliness . Through Arslàn the exhaustless annals of [the world]_{268-the world} ’s history opened before [her]_3093-her , the present ceased to matter to [her]_3093-her in its penury and pain ; for the treasury‐houses of [the golden past]_{3118-the golden past} were opened to [her]_3093-her sight . Most of all [she]_3093-her loved the myths of the Homeric and Hesiodic ages ; and every humble and homely thing became ennobled to [her]_3093-her and enriched , beholding it through the halo of poetry and of tradition . When , aloft in the red and white apple‐blossoms sparrows pecked and screamed , and spent the pleasant summer hours above in the flower‐scented air in shrill dispute and sharp contention , [she]_3093-her thought that [she]_3093-her heard in [their]_{3116-men had lived who had fashioned those aërial wonders of the cathedral spires , and stained those vivid hues in its ancient casements} noisy notes the arrogant voice of [Alcyone]_202-alcyone . When the wild hyacinths made the ground purple beneath the poplars and the pines , [she]_3093-her saw in [them]_{3116-men had lived who had fashioned those aërial wonders of the cathedral spires , and stained those vivid hues in its ancient casements} the transformed loveliness of [one who had died in the fulness of youth , at play , in a summer ’s noon]_{3119-one who had died in the fulness of youth , at play , in a summer ’s noon} , and died content , because stricken by the hand of the greatest and goodliest of all the gods , [the god that loved [him]_{3119-one who had died in the fulness of youth , at play , in a summer ’s noon} best]_{3120-the god that loved him best} . As the cattle , with [their]_3121-their sleek red hides and curling horns , came through the fogs of the daybreak , across [the level meadows]_{3122-the level meadows} , and through [the deep dock‐leaves]_{3123-the deep dock‐leaves} [they]_3121-their seemed to [her]_3093-her no more the mere beasts of stall and share , but even as the milk‐white herds that grazed of yore in [the blest pastures]_{3124-the blest pastures} . All night , int [he]_3125-he heart of [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} , when the song of the nightingales rose on the stillness , it was no longer for [her]_3093-her a little brown bird that sang to the budding fruit and [her]_3093-her closed daisies , but was the voice of [Ædon]_203-ædon bewailing [[her]_3093-her son]_{986-her son} through the ages , or the woe of [Philomela]_{204-philomela} crying through [the wilderness]_{3128-the wilderness} . When through the white hard brilliancy of noonday the swift swallow darted down the beams of light , [she]_3093-her saw no longer in it an insect‐hunter , [a house‐nesting creature]_{3129-a house‐nesting creature} , but saw the shape of Procne , slaughter‐haunted , seeking rest and finding none . And when [she]_3093-her went about [her]_3093-her labours , hewing wood , drawing water , bearing the corn to the grindstones , leading [the mules]_{3130-the mules} to [the mill‐stream]_{3131-the mill‐stream} , [she]_3093-her ceased to despair . For [she]_3093-her had heard the old glad story of [the children of Zeus who dwelt so long within [[a herdsman]_{3133-a herdsman} ’s hut]_{3134-a herdsman ’s hut} , nameless and dishonoured , yet lived to go back crowned to [Thebes]_39-thebes and see [the beasts of [the desert]_{2040-the desert}]_{3135-the beasts of the desert} and the stones of [the streets]_{5229-the streets} rise up and obey the magic of [their]_{3132-the children of zeus who dwelt so long within a herdsman ’s hut , nameless and dishonoured , yet lived to go back crowned to thebes and see the beasts of the desert and the stones of the streets rise up and obey the magic of their song} song]_{3132-the children of zeus who dwelt so long within a herdsman ’s hut , nameless and dishonoured , yet lived to go back crowned to thebes and see the beasts of the desert and the stones of the streets rise up and obey the magic of their song} . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn in [his]_172-arslàn day had given many evil gifts , but this one gift that [he]_172-arslàn gave was pure and full of solace ; this gift of the beauty of the past . Imperfect , obscure , broken in fragments , obscured by [her]_3093-her own ignorance , it was indeed when it reached [her]_3093-her ; yet it came with a glory that time could not dim , and a consolation that ignorance could not impair . “ WHAT has come to [that evil one]_{7002-that evil one} ? [She]_3093-her walks [the land]_{4984-the land} as though [she]_3093-her were [a queen]_{7004-a queen} , ”_{[3138-the people of yprès]} [the people of [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{3138-the people of yprès} said to [one another]_{700-one another} , watching the creature [they]_{3138-the people of yprès} abhorred as [she]_3093-her went through [the town]_{482-the town} to [the river‐stair]_{3141-the river‐stair} or to [the market‐stall]_{3142-the market‐stall} . [She]_3093-her seemed to [them]_{3138-the people of yprès} transfigured . A perpetual radiance shone in the dark depths of [her]_3093-her eyes ; a proud elasticity replaced the old sullen defiance of [her]_3093-her carriage ; [her]_3093-her face had a sweet musing mystery and dreaminess on it ; and when [she]_3093-her smiled , [her]_3093-her smile was soft , and sudden , like the smile of one who bears fair tidings in [her]_3093-her heart unspoken . [Even [those people]_{5468-those people} , dull and plodding and taciturn , absorbed in [their]_{5468-those people} small trades or in [their]_{5468-those people} continual field labour]_{3143-even those people , dull and plodding and taciturn , absorbed in their small trades or in their continual field labour} , were struck by the change in [her]_3093-her , and looked after [her]_3093-her , and listened in a stupid wonder to the sonorous songs in an unknown tongue that rose so often to [her]_3093-her lips as [she]_3093-her strode amongst the summer grasses or led the laden mules through [the fords]_{3145-the fords} . [They]_{3138-the people of yprès} saw , even with [their]_{3138-the people of yprès} eyes purblind from hate , that [she]_3093-her had thrown off [their]_{3138-the people of yprès} yoke , and had escaped from [[their]_{3138-the people of yprès} narrow world]_{3146-their narrow world} , and was happy with some rich , mute , nameless happiness that [they]_{3138-the people of yprès} could neither evade nor understand . The fall of evening always brought [her]_3093-her to [him]_3147-he ; [he]_3147-he let [her]_3093-her come , finding a certain charm in that savage temper which grew so tame to [him]_3147-he ; in that fierce courage which to [him]_3147-he was so humble ; in that absolute ignorance which was yet so curiously blended with so strong a power of fancy and so quick an instinct of beauty . But [he]_3147-he let [her]_3093-her go again with indifference , and never tried by any word to keep [her]_3093-her an hour later than [she]_3093-her chose to stay . [She]_3093-her was to [him]_3147-he like some handsome , dangerous beast that flew at all others and crouched to [himself]_3147-he . [He]_3147-he had a certain pleasure in [her]_3093-her colour and [her]_3093-her grace ; in making [her]_3093-her great eyes glow , and seeing the light of a wakening intelligence break over all [her]_3093-her beautiful , clouded , fierce face . As [she]_3093-her learned to hear more often the sound of [her]_3093-her own voice , and to use a more varied and copious language , a rude eloquence came naturally to [her]_3093-her ; and , when [her]_3093-her silence was broken , it was usually for some terse , vivid , picturesque utterance which had an artistic interest for [him]_3147-he . In [this simple and monotonous province]_{3148-this simple and monotonous province} , with [its]_{3148-this simple and monotonous province} tedious sameness of life and [[its]_{3148-this simple and monotonous province} green arable country that tired a sight fed in youth on the grandeur of [cloud‐reaching mountains]_{3150-cloud‐reaching mountains} and [the tumults of ice‐tossing seas]_{3151-the tumults of ice‐tossing seas}]_{3149-its green arable country that tired a sight fed in youth on the grandeur of cloud‐reaching mountains and the tumults of ice‐tossing seas} , this creature so utterly unlike [her]_3093-her kind , so golden with the glow of tawny desert suns , and so strong with the liberty and the ferocity and the dormant passion and the silent force of some free forest animal , was in a way welcome . All things were so new and strange to [her]_3093-her ; all the common knowledge was so utterly unknown to [her]_3093-her ; all other kinds of life were so unintelligible to [her]_3093-her ; and yet with all [her]_3093-her ignorance , [she]_3093-her had so swift a fancy , so keen an irony , so poetic an instinct , that it seemed to [him]_3147-he when [he]_3147-he spoke with [her]_3093-her that [he]_3147-he talked to [some creature from another planet than [his]_3147-he own]_{3152-some creature from another planet than his own} . [He]_3147-he like to make [her]_3093-her smile ; [he]_3147-he liked to make [her]_3093-her suffer ; [he]_3147-he liked to inflame , to wound , to charm , to tame [her]_3093-her ; [he]_3147-he liked all these without passion , rather with curiosity than with interest , much as [he]_3147-he had liked in the season of [his]_3147-he boyhood to ruffle the plumage of a captured sea‐bird ; to see its eye sparkle , and then grow dull and flash again with pain , and then at the last turn soft with weary , wistful tenderness , having been taught at once the misery of bondage and the tyranny of human love . [She]_3093-her was [a bronzed , bare‐footed , fleet‐limbed young outcast]_{3153-a bronzed , bare‐footed , fleet‐limbed young outcast} , so [he]_3147-he told [himself]_3147-he , with the scowl of an habitual defiance on [her]_3093-her straight brows , and the curl of an untamable scorn upon [her]_3093-her rich red lips , and a curious sovereignty and savageness in [her]_3093-her dauntless carriage ; and yet there was a certain nobility and melancholy in [her]_3093-her that made [her]_3093-her seem like [one of a great and fallen race]_{3154-one of a great and fallen race} ; and in [her]_3093-her eyes there was a look repellant yet appealing , and lustrous with sleeping passion , that tempted [him]_3147-he to wake what slumbered there . But in these early spring‐tide days [he]_3147-he suffered [her]_3093-her to come and go as [she]_3093-her listed , without either persuasion or forbiddance on [his]_3147-he own part . The impassioned reverence which [she]_3093-her had for the things [he]_3147-he had created was only the untutored , unreasoning reverence of [the savage]_{3155-the savage} or of [the peasant]_{5394-the peasant} ; but it had a sweetness for [him]_3147-he . [He]_3147-he had been alone so long ; and so long had passed since any cheek had flushed and any breast had heaved under the influence of any one of those strange fancies and noble stories which [he]_3147-he had pictured on the walls of [[his]_3147-he lonely chamber]_{3157-his lonely chamber} . [He]_3147-he had despaired of and had despised [himself]_3147-he ; despised [his]_3147-he continual failure , despaired of all power to sway the souls and gain the eyes of [[his]_3147-he fellow‐men]_{6993-his fellow‐men} . It was a little thing — a thing so little that [he]_3147-he called [himself]_3147-he a fool for taking any count of it ; yet the hot tears that dimmed the sight of [this young barbarian who was [herself]_3093-her of no more value than the mill‐dust that drifted on the breeze , the soft vague breathless awe that stole upon [her]_3093-her as [she]_3093-her gazed at the colourless shadows in which [his]_3147-he genius spent itself]_{3159-this young barbarian who was herself of no more value than the mill‐dust that drifted on the breeze , the soft vague breathless awe that stole upon her as she gazed at the colourless shadows in which his genius spent itself} , these were sweet to [him]_3147-he with a sweetness that made [him]_3147-he ashamed of [his]_3147-he own weakness . [She]_3093-her had given the breath of life back to [his]_3147-he body by an act of which [he]_3147-he was ignorant ; and now [she]_3093-her gave back the breath of hope to [his]_3147-he mind by a worship which [he]_3147-he contemned even whilst [he]_3147-he was glad of it . Meanwhile the foul tongues of [[her]_3093-her enemies]_{2248-her enemies} rang with loud glee over this new shame which [they]_{2248-her enemies} could cast at [her]_3093-her . “ [She]_3093-her has found [a lover,—oh ho!—that brown wicked thing]_{7005-a lover,—oh ho!—that brown wicked thing} . [A lover]_{6231-a lover} meet for [her;—a]_3093-her [man who walks abroad in the moonless nights , and plucks the mandrake]_{7007-man who walks abroad in the moonless nights , and plucks the mandrake} , and worships [the devil]_{4853-the devil} , and paints [people]_476-people in [their]_476-people own likeness , so that as the colour dries the life wastes ! ”_{[2248-her enemies]} So [the women]_{472-the women} screamed after [her]_3093-her often as [she]_3093-her went ; [she]_3093-her nothing understanding or heeding , but lost in the dreams of [her]_3093-her own waking imagination . At times such words as these reached [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , but [he]_{115-claudis flamma} turned a deaf ear to them : [he]_{115-claudis flamma} had the wisdom of [the world]_{268-the world} in [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , though [he]_{115-claudis flamma} was only [an old miller who had never stirred ten leagues from [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} home]_{2724-his home}]_{3163-an old miller who had never stirred ten leagues from his home} ; and whilst [the devil]_{4853-the devil} served [him]_{115-claudis flamma} well , [he]_{115-claudis flamma} quarrelled not with [the devil]_{4853-the devil} . In a grim way , it was a pleasure to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} to think that the thing [he]_{115-claudis flamma} hated might be accursed body and soul : [he]_{115-claudis flamma} had never cared either for [her]_3093-her body or [her]_3093-her soul ; so that the first worked for [him]_{115-claudis flamma} , the last might destroy itself in its own darkness:—he had never stretched a finger to hold it back . The pride and the honesty and the rude candour and instinctive purity of this young life of [hers]_3093-her had been a perpetual hindrance and canker to [him]_{115-claudis flamma} : begotten of evil , by all the laws of justice , in evil [she]_3093-her should live and die . So [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} reasoned ; and to the sayings of [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} country‐side]_{3167-his country‐side} [he]_{115-claudis flamma} gave a stony ear and a stony glance . [She]_3093-her never once , after the first day , breathed a word to [Arslàn]_172-arslàn about the treatment that [she]_3093-her received at [Yprès]_11-yprès . It was not in [her]_3093-her nature to complain ; and [she]_3093-her abhorred even [his]_172-arslàn pity . Whatever [she]_3093-her endured , [she]_3093-her kept silence on it ; when [he]_172-arslàn asked [her]_3093-her how [[her]_3093-her grandsire]_{5446-her grandsire} dealt with [her]_3093-her , [she]_3093-her always answered [him—“it]_172-arslàn is well enough with [me]_3093-her now . ”_[3093-her] [He]_172-arslàn cared not enough to doubt [her]_3093-her . And in a manner [she]_3093-her had learned how to keep [[her]_3093-her tyrant]_{5680-her tyrant} at bay . [He]_172-arslàn did not dare to lay hands on [her]_3093-her now that [her]_3093-her eyes had got that new fire , and [her]_3093-her voice that serene contempt . [[His]_172-arslàn wolf‐cub]_{3170-his wolf‐cub} had shown [her]_3093-her teeth , at last , at [his]_172-arslàn lash ; and [he]_172-arslàn did not venture to sting [her]_3093-her to revolt with too long use of scourge and chain . So [she]_3093-her obtained more leisure ; and what [she]_3093-her did not spend in [[Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s tower]_{3171-arslàn ’s tower} [she]_3093-her spent in acquiring another art — [she]_3093-her learned to read . There was [an old herb‐seller in the market‐place who was not so harsh to [her]_3093-her as the others were , but who had now and then for [her]_3093-her a rough kindly word out of gentleness to the memory of [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma}]_{3172-an old herb‐seller in the market‐place who was not so harsh to her as the others were , but who had now and then for her a rough kindly word out of gentleness to the memory of reine flamma} . [This woman]_{915-this woman} was better educated than most , and could even write a little . To [her]_{915-this woman} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} went . “ See here , ”_{[915-this woman]} [she]_{915-this woman} said : “ [you]_{915-this woman} are feeble and [I]_{915-this woman} am strong . [I]_{915-this woman} know [every nook and corner in [the woods]_{344-the woods}]_{7010-every nook and corner in the woods} . [I]_{915-this woman} know a hundred rare herbs that [you]_{915-this woman} never find . [I]_{915-this woman} will bring [you]_{915-this woman} a basketful of them twice in each week , if [you]_{915-this woman} will show [me]_{915-this woman} how to read those signs that [the people]_{4948-the people} call letters . ”_{[915-this woman]} [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} hesitated . “ It were as much as [my]_{334-the old woman} life is worth to have [you]_{915-this woman} seen with [me]_{334-the old woman} . [The lads]_{7013-the lads} will stone [my]_{334-the old woman} window . Still—. ”_{[334-the old woman]} The wish for the rare herbs and , and the remembrance of the fatigue that would be spared to [her]_{334-the old woman} rheumatic body by compliance , prevailed over [her]_{334-the old woman} fears . [She]_{334-the old woman} consented . Three times a week [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} rose while it was still dark , and scoured [the wooded lands]_{3175-the wooded lands} and [the moss‐green orchards]_{3176-the moss‐green orchards} and the little brooks in [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} in search of every herb that grew . [She]_{334-the old woman} knew those green places which had been [[her]_{334-the old woman} only kingdom]_{3178-her only kingdom} and [her]_{334-the old woman} only solace as [no one else]_{3179-no one else} knew [them]_3180-them ; and [the old dame]_{3181-the old dame} ’s herb‐stall was the envy and despair of [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} . Now and then [a labourer earlier than the rest]_{3183-a labourer earlier than the rest} , or as [a vagrant sleeping under a hedge‐row]_{3184-a vagrant sleeping under a hedge‐row} , saw [her]_{334-the old woman} going through the darkness with [her]_{334-the old woman} green bundle on [her]_{334-the old woman} head , or stooping amongst the water‐courses ankle deep in rushes , and [he]_{3183-a labourer earlier than the rest} crossed [himself]_{3183-a labourer earlier than the rest} and went and told how [he]_{3183-a labourer earlier than the rest} had seen [the Evil Spirit of Yprès gathering the poison‐weeds that made ships founder]_{3185-the evil spirit of yprès gathering the poison‐weeds that made ships founder} , and [strong men]_{3186-strong men} droop and die , and [women]_365-women love unnatural and horrible things , and all manner of woe and sickness overtake [those whom [she]_{334-the old woman} hated]_{3188-those whom she hated} . Often , too , at this lonely time , before the day broke , [she]_{334-the old woman} met [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . It was [his]_172-arslàn habit to be abroad when [others]_5531-others slept : studies of the night and its peculiar loveliness entered largely into many of [his]_172-arslàn paintings ; the beauty of water rippling in the moonbeam , of grey weeds blowing against the first faint red of dawn , of dark fields with sleeping cattle and folded sheep , of pools made visible by the shine of their folded white lilies , these were all things [he]_172-arslàn cared to study . [The earth]_{288-the earth} has always most charm , and least pain , to [the poet]_{5589-the poet} or [the artist]_{6434-the artist} when [men]_364-men are hidden away under [[their]_364-men roofs]_{3194-their roofs} . Then [they]_364-men do not break its claim with either [their]_364-men mirth or [their]_364-men brutality ; then the vile and revolting coarseness of [their]_364-men works , that blot it with so much deformity , is softened and obscured in the purple breadths of shadow and the dim tender gleam of stars ; and it was then that [he]_172-arslàn loved best to move abroad . Sometimes [the shepherd]_{3195-the shepherd} going to [[his]_{3195-the shepherd} flocks]_{3196-his flocks} , or [the housewife]_{5362-the housewife} opening [her]_{5362-the housewife} shutter in [the wayside cabin]_{3198-the wayside cabin} , or [the huckster]_{3199-the huckster} driving early [his]_172-arslàn mule seawards to meet the fish that [the night‐trawlers]_{3200-the night‐trawlers} had brought , saw [them]_364-men together thus , and talked of it ; and said that [these two]_{3201-these two} , accursed of [all honest folk]_{3202-all honest folk} , were after some unholy work — coming from the orgy of [some witches]_{3203-some witches} ’ sabbath , or seeking some devil ’s root that would give [them]_364-men the treasured gold of [[misers]_3204-misers ’ tombs]_{3205-misers ’ tombs} , or the powers of life and death . For these things are still believed by [many [a peasant]_{5024-a peasant} ’s hearth]_{3206-many a peasant ’s hearth} , and whispered darkly as night closes in and the wind rises . Wading in [the shallow streams]_{3208-the shallow streams} , with the breeze tossing [her]_{5362-the housewife} hair , and the dew bright on [her]_{5362-the housewife} sheaf of herbs , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} paid thus the only wages that [she]_{5362-the housewife} could for leaning the art of letters . One day [he]_172-arslàn had said to [her]_{5362-the housewife} , half unconsciously , “ If only [you]_{5362-the housewife} were not so ignorant!”—and_{[172-arslàn]} since that day [she]_{5362-the housewife} had set [herself]_{5362-the housewife} to clear away [her]_{5362-the housewife} ignorance little by little , as [she]_{5362-the housewife} would have cleared brushwood with [her]_{5362-the housewife} hatchet . It was the sweetest hour which [she]_{5362-the housewife} had ever known when [she]_{5362-the housewife} was able to stand before [him]_172-arslàn and say , “ The characters that [men print]_{7014-men print} are no longer riddles to [me]_172-arslàn . ”_{[172-arslàn]} [He]_172-arslàn praised [her]_{5362-the housewife} ; and [she]_{5362-the housewife} was glad and proud . It was love that had entered into [her]_{5362-the housewife} , but a great love , full of intense humility , of supreme self‐sacrifice ; a love that unconsciously led [her]_{5362-the housewife} to chasten into gentleness the fierce soul in [her]_{5362-the housewife} , and to try and seek light for the darkness of [her]_{5362-the housewife} mind . [He]_172-arslàn saw the influence [he]_172-arslàn had on [her]_{5362-the housewife} , but [he]_172-arslàn was careless of it . A gipsy‐child working for bread at [a little mill‐house in [these Norman]_{67-these norman}]_{3209-a little mill‐house in these norman} woods,—what use would be to [her]_{5362-the housewife} beauty of thought , grace of fancy , the desire begotten of knowledge , the poetry learned from the past ? Still , [he]_172-arslàn gave [her]_{5362-the housewife} these ; partly because [he]_172-arslàn pitied [her]_{5362-the housewife} , partly because in [his]_172-arslàn exhaustion and solitude [this creature]_{705-this creature} , in [her]_{5362-the housewife} beauty and [her]_{5362-the housewife} submission , was welcome to [him]_172-arslàn . And yet [he]_172-arslàn thought so little of [her]_{5362-the housewife} , and chiefly , when [he]_172-arslàn thought of [her]_{5362-the housewife} , chose to perplex [her]_{5362-the housewife} or to wound [her]_{5362-the housewife} , that [he]_172-arslàn might see [her]_{5362-the housewife} eyes dilate in wondering amaze , or [her]_{5362-the housewife} face quiver and flush , and then grow dark , with the torment of a mute and subdued pain . [She]_{5362-the housewife} was a study to [him]_172-arslàn , as was the scarlet rose in [the garden ways]_{3211-the garden ways} , or the purple‐breasted pigeon in [the woods]_{344-the woods} ; [he]_172-arslàn dealt with [her]_{5362-the housewife} as [he]_172-arslàn would have dealt with the flower or the bird if [he]_172-arslàn had wished to study them more nearly , by tearing the rose open at its core , or casting a stone at the blue‐rock on the wing . This was not cruelty in [him]_172-arslàn ; it was only habit — habit , and the callousness begotten by [his]_172-arslàn own continual pain . The pain as of a knife for ever thrust into the loins , of a cord for ever knotted hard about the temples , which is the daily and nightly penalty of those mad enough to believe that [they]_3213-they have the force in [them]_3213-they to change the sluggard appetites and the hungry cruelties of [their]_3213-they kind into a life of high endeavour and divine desire . [He]_172-arslàn held that [a man]_{4875-a man} ’s chief passion is [his]_{4875-a man} destiny , and will shape [his]_{4875-a man} fate , roughhew [his]_{4875-a man} fate as circumstance or as hazard may . [[His]_172-arslàn chief]_{3215-his chief} , [his]_172-arslàn sole passion was a great ambition — a passion pure as crystal , since the eminence [he]_172-arslàn craved was for [his]_172-arslàn creations , not for [his]_172-arslàn name : yet it had failed to compel the destiny that [he]_172-arslàn believed to be [his]_172-arslàn own ; and every hour [he]_172-arslàn seemed to sink lower and lower into oblivion , further and further from the possibility of any fulfillment of [his]_172-arslàn dreams ; and the wasted years of [his]_172-arslàn life fell away one by one into the gulf of the past , vain , unheard , unfruitful , as the frozen words on [the deck of [the ship]_{3217-the ship} of [Pantagruel]_{68-pantagruel}]_{3216-the deck of the ship of pantagruel} . “ What is the use ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn muttered , half aloud , one day before [his]_172-arslàn paintings . “ What is the use ? If [I]_172-arslàn die tomorrow [they]_7015-they will sell for so much rubbish to heat [a bakery store]_{7016-a bakery store} . It is only a mad waste of hours — waste of colour , of canvas , of labour . [The world]_{268-the world} has told [me]_172-arslàn so , many years . [The world]_{268-the world} always knows what it wants . [It]_{268-the world} selects unerringly . [It]_{268-the world} must judge better than [I]_172-arslàn do . [The man]_{857-the man} is [a fool]_{4935-a fool} , indeed , who presumes [himself]_{857-the man} to be wiser than [all [his]_{857-the man} generation]_{7021-all his generation} . If [the world]_{268-the world} will have nothing to do with [you]_7023-you , go and hang [yourself]_7023-you — or if [you]_7023-you fear to do that , dig a ditch or a grave for a daily meal . Give over dreams . [The world]_{268-the world} knows what [it]_{268-the world} wants , and if it wanted [you]_7023-you would take [you]_7023-you . It has brazen lungs to shout for what it needs ; the lungs of [a multitude]_{7025-a multitude} . It is no use what [your]_7023-you own voice whispers [you]_7023-you unless those great lungs also shout before [you]_7023-you , [Hosannah]_205-hosannah . ”_{[172-arslàn]} So [he]_3218-his spoke to [himself]_3218-his in the bitterness of [his]_3218-his soul , standing before [his]_3218-his cartoons in which [he]_3218-his had put all the genius there was in [him]_3218-his , and which hung there unseen save by the spider that wove and the moth that flew over [them]_3219-them . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , who was that day in [[his]_3218-his chamber]_{6638-his chamber} , looked at [him]_3218-his with the wistful far‐reaching comprehension which an unerring instinct taught [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . “ Of a winter night , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said , slowly , “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} have heard [old Pitchou]_147-pitchou read aloud to [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} reads of [[their]_3219-them God]_{1335-their god} , the one [they]_3219-them hang everywhere on the crosses here ; and the story ran that [the populace]_{5247-the populace} scourged and nailed to death the one whom [they]_{5247-the populace} knew afterwards , when too late , to have been [the great man that [they]_{5247-the populace} looked for , and that , being bidden to make [their]_{5247-the populace} choice of one to save]_{7028-the great man that they looked for , and that , being bidden to make their choice of one to save} , [they]_{5247-the populace} chose to ransom and honour [a thief]_{1383-a thief} : one called [Barabbas]_206-barabbas . Is it true?—If [the world]_{268-the world} ’s choice were wrong once , why not twice ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [Arslàn]_172-arslàn smiled ; the smile [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew so well , and which had no more warmth than the ice floes of [[his]_172-arslàn native seas]_{3221-his native seas} . “ Why not twice ? Why not a thousand times ? [A thief]_{1383-a thief} has [the world]_{268-the world} ’s sympathies always . It is always [the Barabbas]_206-barabbas — [the trickster in talent]_{7033-the trickster in talent} , [the forger of stolen wisdom]_{7034-the forger of stolen wisdom} , [the bravo of political crime]_{7035-the bravo of political crime} , [the huckster of plundered thoughts]_{7036-the huckster of plundered thoughts} , [the charlatan of false art]_{7037-the charlatan of false art} , whom [the vox populi]_{7038-the vox populi} elects and sets free , and sends on [his]_172-arslàn way rejoicing . ‘ Will [ye]_7039-ye have [Christ]_113-christ or [Barrabas]_207-barrabas ? ’ [Every generation]_{7040-every generation} is asked the same question , and [every generation]_{7040-every generation} gives the same answer ; and scourges the divinity out of its midst , and finds its idol in brute force and low greed . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} only dimly comprehended , not well knowing why [her]_{104-folle‐farine} words had thus roused [him]_172-arslàn . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} pondered awhile , then [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face cleared . “ But the end ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} asked . “ [The dead God]_{7042-the dead god} is [the God of [all these people round [us]_7045-our]_{7044-all these people round us}]_{7043-the god of all these people round us} now , and [they]_{7044-all these people round us} have built great places in [his]_{7042-the dead god} honour , and [they]_{7044-all these people round us} bow when [they]_{7044-all these people round us} pass [his]_{7042-the dead god} likeness in [the highway]_{5120-the highway} or [the market place]_{5239-the market place} . But with [Barabbas]_206-barabbas — what was the end ? It seems that [they]_{7044-all these people round us} loathe and despise [him]_{7042-the dead god} ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [Arslàn]_172-arslàn laughed a little . “ [His]_{7042-the dead god} end ? In [Syria]_69-syria maybe [the vultures]_{7048-the vultures} picked [his]_{7042-the dead god} bones , where [they]_{7048-the vultures} lay whitening on [the plains]_{964-the plains} — those times were primitive , [the world]_{268-the world} was young . But in [our]_7045-our day [Barabbas]_206-barabbas lives and dies in honour , and has [a tomb that stares [all men]_{5168-all men} in the face , setting forth [his]_{7042-the dead god} virtues]_{7051-a tomb that stares all men in the face , setting forth his virtues} , so that [all who run]_{7053-all who run} may read . In [our]_7045-our day [Barabbas]_206-barabbas — [the Barabbas of money greeds and delicate cunning]_{7054-the barabbas of money greeds and delicate cunning} , and the theft which has risen to science , and the assassination that kills souls and not bodies , and the crime that deals moral death and not material death — [[our]_7045-our Barabbas , who is crowned Fraud in the place of mailed Force]_{7055-our barabbas , who is crowned fraud in the place of mailed force} — lives always in purple and fine linen , and ends in the odours of sanctity with the prayers of [priests]_493-priests over [his]_{7042-the dead god} corpse . ”_[3222-he] [He]_3222-he spoke with a certain fierce passion that rose in [him]_3222-he whenever [he]_3222-he thought of that world which had rejected [him]_3222-he , and had accepted so many others , weaker in brain and nerve , but stronger in one sense , because more dishonest ; and as [he]_3222-he spoke [he]_3222-he went straight to a wall on [his]_3222-he right where a great sea of grey paper was stretched , untouched , and ready to [his]_3222-he hand . [She]_3223-she would have spoken , but [he]_3222-he made a motion to silence . “ Hush ! be quiet , ”_[3222-he] [he]_3222-he said to [her]_3223-she , almost harshly , “ [I]_3222-he have thought of something . ”_[3222-he] And [he]_3222-he took the charcoal and swept rapidly with it over the dull blank surface till the vacancy glowed with life . A thought had kindled in [him]_3222-he ; a vision had arisen before [him]_3222-he . The scene around [him]_3222-he vanished utterly from [his]_3222-he sight . The grey stone walls , the square windows through which the fading sun rays fell , the level pastures and sullen streams , and paled skies without ; all faded away as though they had existed only in a dream . All the empty space about [him]_3222-he became peopled with many human shapes that for [him]_3222-he had breath and being , though no other eye could have beheld [them]_3224-them . The old Syrian world of eighteen hundred years before arose and glowed before [him]_3222-he . The things of [his]_3222-he own life died away , and in [their]_3224-them stead [he]_3222-he saw the fierce flame of eastern suns , the gleaming range of [marble palaces]_{3225-marble palaces} , the purple flush of pomegranate flowers , the deep colour of oriental robes , the soft silver of hills olive crested , the tumult of [a city]_{6616-a city} at high festival . And [he]_3222-he could not rest until all [he]_3222-he thus saw in [his]_3222-he vision [he]_3222-he had rendered as far as [his]_3222-he hand could render it ; and what [he]_3222-he drew was this . [A great thirsty , heated , seething crowd]_{3227-a great thirsty , heated , seething crowd} ; [a crowd that had manhood and womanhood , age and infancy]_{3228-a crowd that had manhood and womanhood , age and infancy} , [youths]_3229-youths and [maidens]_1965-maidens , within its ranks ; [a crowd in whose faces every animal lust and every human passion were let loose]_{3231-a crowd in whose faces every animal lust and every human passion were let loose} ; [a crowd on which a noon sun without shadow streamed]_{3232-a crowd on which a noon sun without shadow streamed} ; a sun which parched and festered and engendered all corruption in [the land on which it looked]_{3233-the land on which it looked} . [This crowd]_{3234-this crowd} was in [a city]_{6616-a city} , [a city on whose flat roofs the myrtle and the cistus bloomed]_{3236-a city on whose flat roofs the myrtle and the cistus bloomed} ; above whose walls the plumes of olives waved ; upon whose distant slopes [the darkling cedar groves]_{3237-the darkling cedar groves} rose straight against the sky , and on whose loft temple plates of gold glistened against the shining heavens . [This crowd]_{3234-this crowd} had scourges , and stones , and goads in [their]_{3234-this crowd} hands ; and in [their]_{3234-this crowd} midst [they]_{3234-this crowd} led [one clothed in white , whose head was thorn‐crowned , and whose eyes were filled with a god]_{3239-one clothed in white , whose head was thorn‐crowned , and whose eyes were filled with a god} ’s pity and [a man]_{4875-a man} ’s reproach ; and [him]_{3239-one clothed in white , whose head was thorn‐crowned , and whose eyes were filled with a god} [they]_{3234-this crowd} stoned , and lashed , and hooted . And triumphant in the throng , whose choice [he]_{3239-one clothed in white , whose head was thorn‐crowned , and whose eyes were filled with a god} was , seated aloft upon [men]_364-men ’s shoulders , with a purple robe thrown on [his]_{3239-one clothed in white , whose head was thorn‐crowned , and whose eyes were filled with a god} shoulders , there sat a brawny , grinning , bloated , jibbering thing , with curled lips and savage eyes , and [satyr]_3242-satyr ’s leer : [the creature of greed , of lust , of obscenity , of brutality , of avarice , of desire]_{3243-the creature of greed , of lust , of obscenity , of brutality , of avarice , of desire} . This thing [the people]_{4948-the people} followed , rejoicing exceedingly , content in the guide whom [they]_{3234-this crowd} had chosen , victorious in the fiend for whom [they]_{3234-this crowd} spurned [a deity]_{6829-a deity} ; crying , with wide‐open throats and brazen lungs , “ [Barabbas]_206-barabbas ! ”_{[4948-the people]} There was not a form in all this close‐packed throng which had not a terrible irony in it , which was not in itself a symbol of some appetite or vice , for which [women]_365-women and [men]_364-men abjure the godhead in [them]_{3234-this crowd} . [A gorged drunkard]_{3248-a gorged drunkard} lay asleep with [his]_{3248-a gorged drunkard} amphora broken beneath [him]_{3248-a gorged drunkard} , the stream of the purple wine lapped eagerly by [ragged children]_{3249-ragged children} . [A money‐changer]_{3250-a money‐changer} had left the receipt of custom , eager to watch and shout , and [a thief]_{1383-a thief} clutched both hands full of the forsaken coins and fled . [A miser]_{595-a miser} had dropped a bag of gold , and stopped to catch at all the rolling pieces , regardless in [his]_{595-a miser} greed how [the crowd]_{6083-the crowd} trampled and trod on [him]_{595-a miser} . [A mother]_{3254-a mother} chid and struck [[her]_{3254-a mother} little brown curly child]_{3255-her little brown curly child} , because [he]_{595-a miser} stretched [his]_{595-a miser} arms and turned [his]_{595-a miser} face towards [the thorn‐crowned captive]_{3256-the thorn‐crowned captive} . [A priest of the temple]_{3257-a priest of the temple} , with a blood‐stained knife thrust in [his]_{3257-a priest of the temple} girdle , dragged beside [him]_{3257-a priest of the temple} , by the throat , [a little tender lamb doomed for the sacrifice]_{3258-a little tender lamb doomed for the sacrifice} . [A dancing woman with jewels in [her]_{3259-a dancing woman with jewels in her ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above her head} ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above [her]_{3259-a dancing woman with jewels in her ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above her head} head]_{3259-a dancing woman with jewels in her ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above her head} , drew a score of [youths]_3229-youths after [her]_{3259-a dancing woman with jewels in her ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above her head} in [[Barabbas]_206-barabbas ’ train]_{3261-barabbas ’ train} . On one of the flat roof tops , reclining on purple and fine linen , looking down on [the street below]_{3262-the street below} from the thick foliage of [her]_{3259-a dancing woman with jewels in her ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above her head} citron boughs and [her]_{3259-a dancing woman with jewels in her ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above her head} red Syrian roses , was [an Egyptian wanton]_{6486-an egyptian wanton} ; and leaning beside [her]_{3259-a dancing woman with jewels in her ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above her head} , tossing golden apples in [her]_{3259-a dancing woman with jewels in her ears , and half naked to the waist , sounding the brazen cymbals above her head} bosom , was [a young centurion of the Roman guard]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} , languid and laughing , with [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} fair chest bare to the heat , and [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} armour flung in a pile beside [him]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} . And thus , in like manner , [every figure]_{3265-every figure} bore its parable : and above all was the hard , hot , cruel , cloudless sky of blue , without one faintest mist to break its horrible serenity , whilst high in the azure ether and against the sun , an eagle and a vulture fought , locked close , and tearing at [each other]_{555-each other} ’s breasts . Six nights this conception occupied [him]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} . [His]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} days were not [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} own , [he]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} spent them in a rough mechanical labour which [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} strength executed while [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} mind was far away from it ; but the nights were all [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} , and at the end of the sixth night the thing arose , perfect as far as [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} hand could perfect it ; begotten by a chance and ignorant word as have been many of the greatest works [the world]_{268-the world} has seen;—oaks sprung from the acorn [a careless child]_{3268-a careless child} has let fall . When [he]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} had finished it [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} arm dropped to [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} side , [he]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} stood motionless ; the red glow of the dawn lighting the depths of [his]_{3264-a young centurion of the roman guard} sleepless eyes . [The artist]_{6434-the artist} , for one moment of ecstasy , realises the content of [a god]_{942-a god} when , resting from [his]_{6434-the artist} labours , [he]_{6434-the artist} knows that those labours have borne [their]_3271-their full fruit . It is only for a moment ; the greater [the artist]_{6434-the artist} the more swiftly will discontent and misgiving overtake [him]_{6434-the artist} , the more quickly will the feebleness of [his]_{6434-the artist} execution disgust [him]_{6434-the artist} in comparison with the splendour of [his]_{6434-the artist} ideals ; the more surely will [he]_{6434-the artist} — though [the world]_{268-the world} ring with applause for [him]_{6434-the artist} — be enraged and derisive and impatient at [himself]_{6434-the artist} . But while the moment lasts it is a rapture ; keen , pure , intense , surpassing every other . In it , fleeting though it be , [he]_{6434-the artist} is blessed with a blessing that never falls on [any other creature]_{3274-any other creature} . The work of [his]_{6434-the artist} brain and of [his]_{6434-the artist} hand contents him,—it is the purest joy on [earth]_5276-earth . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn knew that joy as [he]_172-arslàn looked on the work for which [he]_172-arslàn had given up sleep , and absorbed in which [he]_172-arslàn had almost forgotten hunger and thirst and the passage of time . [He]_172-arslàn had known no rest until [he]_172-arslàn had embodied the shapes that pursued [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn had scarcely spoken , barely slumbered an hour ; tired out , consumed with restless fever , weak from want of sleep and neglect of food , [he]_172-arslàn had wrought on , and on , and on , until the vision as [he]_172-arslàn had beheld it lived there , recorded for the world that denied [him]_172-arslàn . As [he]_172-arslàn looked on it [he]_172-arslàn felt [his]_172-arslàn own strength , and was glad : [he]_172-arslàn had faith in [himself]_172-arslàn , though [he]_172-arslàn had faith in no other thing ; [he]_172-arslàn ceased to care what other fate befell [him]_172-arslàn , so that only this supreme power of creation remained with [him]_172-arslàn . [His]_172-arslàn lamp died out ; the bell of a distant clock chimed the fourth hour of the passing night . The day broke in the east , beyond the grey levels of [the fields]_{316-the fields} and plains ; the dusky crimson of the dawn rose over the cool dark skies ; the light of the morning stars came in and touched the visage of [his]_172-arslàn fettered Christ;—all the rest was in shadow . [He]_172-arslàn [himself]_172-arslàn remained motionless before it . [He]_172-arslàn knew that in it lay the best achievement , the highest utterance , the truest parable , that the genius in [him]_172-arslàn had ever conceived and put forth;—and [he]_172-arslàn knew too that [he]_172-arslàn was as powerless to raise it to the public sight of [men]_364-men as though [he]_172-arslàn were stretched dead beneath it ; [he]_172-arslàn knew that there would be [none to heed whether it rotted there in the dust]_{3278-none to heed whether it rotted there in the dust} , or perished by moth or by flame ; unless illness should befall [him]_172-arslàn , and it should be taken with the rest to satisfy some petty debt of bread , or oil , or fuel . There , on the wall , [he]_172-arslàn had written with all the might there was in [him]_172-arslàn , [his]_172-arslàn warning to the age in which [he]_172-arslàn lived , [his]_172-arslàn message to [future generations]_{3279-future generations} , [his]_172-arslàn claims to [men]_364-men ’s remembrance after death : and there were none to see , none to read , none to ratify [his]_172-arslàn heirship . Great things , beautiful things , things of wisdom , things of grace , things terrible in [their]_3281-their scorn and divine in [their]_3281-their majesty , rose up about [him]_172-arslàn , incarnated by [his]_172-arslàn mind and [his]_172-arslàn hand — and [their]_3281-their doom was to fade and wither without leaving [one human mind the richer]_{3282-one human mind the richer} for [their]_3281-their story , [one human soul]_{3283-one human soul} [the nobler]_{3284-the nobler} for [their]_3281-their meaning . A year of labour , and the cartoon could be transferred to the permanent life of the canvas ; and [he]_172-arslàn was [a master of colour]_{3285-a master of colour} , and loved to wrestle with its intricacies as [the mariner]_{3286-the mariner} struggles with the storm . “ But what were the use ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn pondered as [he]_172-arslàn stood there . “ What the use to be at pains to give it its full life on canvas ? [No man]_{392-no man} will ever look on it . ”_{[172-arslàn]} All labours of [his]_172-arslàn art were dear to [him]_172-arslàn , and none wearisome : yet [he]_172-arslàn doubted what it would avail to commence the perpetuation of this work on canvas . If [the world]_{268-the world} were never to know that it existed , it would be as well to leave it there on its grey sea of paper , to be moved to and fro with each wind that blew through the broken rafters , and to be brushed by the wing of the owl and the flittermouse . The door softly unclosed : [he]_172-arslàn did not hear it . Across [the chamber Folle‐Farine]_{3288-the chamber folle‐farine} stole noiselessly . [She]_3289-she had come and gone thus a score of times through those six nights of [his]_172-arslàn vigil ; and [he]_172-arslàn had seldom seen [her]_3289-she , never spoken to [her]_3289-she ; now and then [she]_3289-she had touched [him]_172-arslàn , and placed before [him]_172-arslàn some simple meal of herbs and bread , and [he]_172-arslàn had taken it half unconsciously , and drunk great draughts of water , and turned back again to [his]_172-arslàn work , not noticing that [she]_3289-she had brought to [him]_172-arslàn what [he]_172-arslàn sorely needed , and yet would not of [himself]_172-arslàn have remembered . [She]_3289-she came to [him]_172-arslàn without haste and without sound , and stood before [him]_172-arslàn and looked;—looked with all [her]_3289-she soul in [her]_3289-she awed eyes . The dawn was brighter now , red and hazy with curious faint gleams of radiance from the sun , that as yet had not risen . All the light there was fell on the crowed of [Jerusalem]_70-jerusalem . [She]_3289-she stood and gazed at it . [She]_3289-she had watched it all grow gradually into being out from the chaos of dull spaces and confused lines . This art , which could call life from the dry wastes of wood and paper , and shed perpetual light where all was darkness , was ever to [her]_3289-she an alchemy incomprehensible , immeasurable ; a thing not to be criticised or questioned , ut adored in all its inscrutable and majestic mystery . To [her]_3289-she it could not have been more marvellous if [his]_172-arslàn hand had changed [the river sand]_{3290-the river sand} to gold , or [his]_172-arslàn touch had wakened the dead cornflowers to bloom afresh as living asphodels . But now for once [she]_3289-she forgot the sorcery of the art in the terror and the pathos of the story it told ; now for once [she]_3289-she forgot , in the creation , its creator . All [she]_3289-she saw was the face of [the Christ,—the pale bent face , in whose eyes there was a patience so perfect , a pity so infinite , a reproach that had no wrath , a scorn that had no cruelty]_{3291-the christ,—the pale bent face , in whose eyes there was a patience so perfect , a pity so infinite , a reproach that had no wrath , a scorn that had no cruelty} . [She]_3289-she had hated [the Christ on the cross]_{3292-the christ on the cross} , because [he]_{3292-the christ on the cross} was [the God of [the people [she]_3289-she hated]_{3294-the people she hated} , and in whose name [they]_{3294-the people she hated} reviled [her]_3289-she]_{3293-the god of the people she hated , and in whose name they reviled her} . But [this Christ]_{3295-this christ} moved [her]_3289-she strangely — there , in the light , alone ; betrayed and forsaken , while [the crowd]_{6083-the crowd} rushed on , lauding [Barabbas]_206-barabbas . Ignorant though [she]_3289-she was , the profound meaning of the parable penetrated [her]_3289-she with [their]_{3294-the people she hated} ironies and with [their]_{3294-the people she hated} woe — the parable of [the genius]_{3297-the genius} rejected and [the thief]_{1832-the thief} exalted . [She]_3289-she trembled and was silent ; in [her]_3289-she eyes sudden tears swam . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn turned and looked at [her]_3289-she . “ Does it move [you]_3289-she so ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn said , slowly . “ Well — [the world]_{268-the world} refuses [me]_172-arslàn fame ; but [I]_172-arslàn do not know that [the world]_{268-the world} could give [me]_172-arslàn a higher tribute than [yours]_3289-she . ”_{[172-arslàn]} “ [The world]_{268-the world} ? ”_[3289-she] [she]_3289-she echoed . “ [The world]_{268-the world} ? [You]_172-arslàn care for [the world]_{268-the world} — [you?—who]_172-arslàn have painted that ? ”_[3289-she] [Arslàn]_172-arslàn did not answer [her]_3289-she : [he]_172-arslàn felt the rebuke . [He]_172-arslàn had drawn the picture in all its deadly irony , in all its pitiless truth , only [himself]_172-arslàn to desire and strive for the wine streams , and the painted harlotry , and the showers of gold , and the false gods , of a worldly success . Was [he]_172-arslàn [a renegade to [his]_172-arslàn own religion]_{3299-a renegade to his own religion} ; [a sceptic of [his]_172-arslàn own teaching]_{3300-a sceptic of his own teaching} ? It was not for the first time that the dreamy utterances of this untrained and imperfect intelligence had struck home to the imperious and mature intellect of [the man of genius]_{3301-the man of genius} . [He]_172-arslàn flung [his]_172-arslàn charcoal away , and looked at the sun as it rose . “ Care ? [I]_172-arslàn ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn answered [her]_3289-she . “ [We]_7063-we , who call [ourselves]_7063-we [poets]_1314-poets or [painters]_{7065-painters} , can see the truth and can tell it — [we]_7063-we are prophets so far ; but when [we]_7063-we come down from [our]_7063-we Horeb [we]_7063-we hanker for the flesh‐pots and [the dancing women]_{7066-the dancing women} , and the bags of gold , like all the rest . [We]_7063-we are no better than those [we]_7063-we preach to ; perhaps [we]_7063-we are worse . [Our]_7063-we eyes are set to the light ; but [our]_7063-we feet are fixed in the mire . ”_{[172-arslàn]} [She]_3289-she did not hear [him]_172-arslàn ; and had [she]_3289-she heard , would not have comprehended . [Her]_3289-she eyes were still fastened on the picture , and the blood in [her]_3289-she cheeks faded and glowed at every breath [she]_3289-she drew , and in [her]_3289-she eye there was the wistful wondering , trustful reverence , which shone in those of [the child]_{272-the child} , who , breaking from [[his]_{272-the child} mother]_{4997-his mother} ’s arms , and regardless of [the soldier]_{3304-the soldier} ’s stripes , clung to the feet of [the scourged captive]_{3305-the scourged captive} , and there kneeled and prayed . Without looking at [her]_3289-she , [Arslàn]_172-arslàn went out to [his]_172-arslàn daily labour on [the waters]_{373-the waters} . The sun had fully risen ; the day was red and clear ; [the earth]_{288-the earth} was hushed in perfect stillness , the only sounds there were came from the wings and voices of innumerable birds . “ And yet [I]_172-arslàn desire nothing for [myself]_172-arslàn , ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn thought . “ [I]_172-arslàn would lie down and die to‐morrow , gladly , did [I]_172-arslàn know that [they]_7067-they would live . ”_{[172-arslàn]} Yet [he]_172-arslàn knew that to desire a fame after death , was as idle as to desire , with [a child]_{657-a child} ’s desire , the stars . For [the earth]_{288-the earth} is crowded full with clay gods and [false prophets]_{3310-false prophets} , and fresh legions for ever arriving to carry on the old strife for supremacy ; and if [a man]_{4875-a man} pass unknown all the time that [his]_{4875-a man} voice is audible , and [his]_{4875-a man} hand visible , through the sound and smoke of the battle , [he]_{4875-a man} will dream in vain of any remembrance when the gates of [the grave]_{919-the grave} shall have closed on [him]_{4875-a man} and shut [him]_{4875-a man} for ever from sight . When [the world]_{268-the world} was in its youth , it had leisure to treasure [its]_{268-the world} recollections ; even to pause and look back ; and to see what flower of a fair thought , what fruit of a noble art , it might have overlooked or left down‐trodden . But now it is so old , and is so tired ; it is purblind and heavy of foot ; it does not notice what it destroys ; it desires rest , and can find none ; nothing can matter greatly to it ; its dead are so many that it can not count them ; and being thus worn and dulled with age , and suffocated under the weight of its innumberable memories , it is very slow to be moved , and swift — terribly swift — to forget . Why should it not be ? [It]_3314-it has known the best , it has known the worst , that ever can befall it . And the prayer that to the heart of [a man]_{4875-a man} seems so freshly born from [his]_{4875-a man} own desire , what is it on the weary ear of [the world]_{268-the world} , save the same old , old cry which it has heard through all the ages , empty as the sound of the wind , and for ever — for ever — unanswered ? [SHE]_3317-her was [[his]_172-arslàn absolute slave]_{3318-his absolute slave} ; and [he]_172-arslàn used [his]_172-arslàn influence with little scruple . Whatever [he]_172-arslàn told [her]_3317-her [she]_3317-her believed : whatever [he]_172-arslàn desired , [she]_3317-her obeyed . With little effort [Arslàn]_172-arslàn persuaded [her]_3317-her that to lend [her]_3317-her beauty to the purpose of [his]_172-arslàn art was a sacrifice pure and supreme ; repaid , it might be , with immortality , like the immortality of [the Mona Lisa]_{208-the mona lisa} . It was ever painful and even loathsome to [her]_3317-her to give [her]_3317-her beauty to the merciless imitations of art ; it stung the dignity and purity that were inborn in [the daughter of [an outlawed people]_{3320-an outlawed people}]_{3319-the daughter of an outlawed people} ; it wounded , and hurt , and humiliated [her]_3317-her . [She]_3317-her knew that these things were only done that one day the eyes of [thousands and of tens of thousands]_{3321-thousands and of tens of thousands} might gaze on [them]_3322-them ; and the knowledge was hateful to [her]_3317-her . But as [she]_3317-her would have hewn wood or carried water for [him]_172-arslàn , as [she]_3317-her would have denied [her]_3317-her lips the least morsel of bread that [his]_172-arslàn might have fed thereon , as [she]_3317-her would have gone straight to [[the river]_{356-the river} ’s edge]_{3324-the river ’s edge} at [his]_172-arslàn bidding , and have stood still for [the stream]_{374-the stream} to swell and the floods to cover [her]_3317-her , so [she]_3317-her obeyed [him]_172-arslàn , and let [him]_172-arslàn make of [her]_3317-her what [he]_172-arslàn would . [He]_172-arslàn painted or sketched [her]_3317-her in nearly every attitude , and rendered [her]_3317-her the centre of innumerable stories . [He]_172-arslàn placed [her]_3317-her form in [the crowd of dancing‐women that followed after [Barabbas]_206-barabbas]_{3326-the crowd of dancing‐women that followed after barabbas} . [He]_172-arslàn took [her]_3317-her for [Persephone]_{108-persephone} , as for [Phryne]_209-phryne . [He]_172-arslàn couched [her]_3317-her on [the bleak rocks]_{3327-the bleak rocks} and [the sea‐sands of [barren Tenedos]_{71-barren tenedos}]_{3328-the sea‐sands of barren tenedos} . [He]_172-arslàn made [her]_3317-her beauty burn through the purple passion vines and the roses of silence of [the Venusberg]_{72-the venusberg} . [He]_172-arslàn pourtrayed [her]_3317-her as [Daphne]_210-daphne , with all [her]_3317-her soft human form changing and merging into the bitter roots and the poisonous leaves of the laurel that was the fruit of love . [He]_172-arslàn drew [her]_3317-her as [Læna , whose venal lips yet , being purified by a perfect love , were sealed mute unto death]_{3329-læna , whose venal lips yet , being purified by a perfect love , were sealed mute unto death} , and for love ’s sake spake not . [He]_172-arslàn sketched [her]_3317-her in a hundred shapes and for a hundred stories , taking [her]_3317-her wild deer‐like grace , and [her]_3317-her supple mountain‐bred strength , and [her]_3317-her beauty that had all the richness and the freshness that sun and wind and rain and the dews of the nights can give , taking these as [he]_172-arslàn in other years had taken the bloom of the grape , the blush of the sea‐shell , the red glow of the desert reed , the fleeting glory of anything that , by its life or by its death , would minister to [his]_172-arslàn dreams or [his]_172-arslàn desires . Of all the studies [he]_172-arslàn made from [her]_3317-her — [he]_172-arslàn all the while cold to [her]_3317-her as [any priest of old]_{3330-any priest of old} to the bird that [he]_172-arslàn seethed in its blood on [his]_172-arslàn altars of sacrifice,—those which were slightest of all , yet of all pleased [him]_172-arslàn best , were two twin studies which were fullest of that ruthless and unsparing irony with which in every stroke of [his]_172-arslàn pencil [he]_172-arslàn cut as with a knife into the humanity [he]_172-arslàn dissected . In the first , [he]_172-arslàn painted [her]_3317-her in all the warm , dreaming , palpitating slumber of youth , asleep in a field of poppies : thousands of the brilliant blossoms were crushed under [her]_3317-her slender , pliant , folded limbs ; the intense scarlet of the flowers burned everywhere , above , beneath , around [her]_3317-her ; purple shadow and amber light contended for the mastery upon [her]_3317-her ; [her]_3317-her arms were lightly tossed above [her]_3317-her head ; [her]_3317-her mouth smiled in [her]_3317-her dreams ; over [her]_3317-her a butterfly flew , spreading golden wings to the sun ; against [her]_3317-her breast the great crimson cups of the flowers of sleep curled and glowed ; amongst them , hiding and gibbering and glaring at [her]_3317-her with elfin eyes , was the Red Mouse of [the Brocken]_{73-the brocken} — the one touch of pitiless irony , of unsparing cynicism , that stole like a snake through the hush and the harmony and the innocence of repose . In the second there was still the same attitude , the same solitude , the same rest , but the sleep was the sleep of death . Stretched on a block of white marble , there were the same limbs , but livid and lifeless , and twisted in the contortions of a last agony : there was the same loveliness , but on it the hues of corruption had already stolen ; the face was still turned upward , but the blank eyes stared hideously , and the mouth was drawn back from teeth closely clenched ; upon the stone there lay [a surgeon]_{3331-a surgeon} ’s knife and [a sculptor]_{5079-a sculptor} ’s scalpel ; between [her]_3317-her lips [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} sat , watching , mouthing , triumphant . All the beauty was left still , but it was left ghastly , dis‐ coloured , ruined,—ready for the mockery of the clay , for the violation of the knife,—ready for the feast of the blind‐worm , for the narrow home dug in darkness and in dust . And these two pictures were so alike and yet so unlike , so true to all the glory of youth , so true to all the ghastliness of death , that they were terrible ; they were terrible even to [the man who drew them with so unsparing and unfaltering a hand]_{3333-the man who drew them with so unsparing and unfaltering a hand} . Only to [her]_3317-her they were not terrible , because they showed [his]_172-arslàn power , because they were [his]_172-arslàn will and work . [She]_3317-her had no share in the shudder , which even [he]_172-arslàn felt , at that visible presentment of corruption to which [her]_3317-her beauty in its human perfection was destined : since it pleasured [him]_172-arslàn to do it , that was all [she]_3317-her cared . [She]_3317-her would have given [her]_3317-her beauty to [the scourge of [the populace]_{5247-the populace}]_{3334-the scourge of the populace} , or to the fish of [the sea]_{405-the sea} , at [his]_172-arslàn bidding . [She]_3317-her had not asked [him]_172-arslàn even what [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} meant . [She]_3317-her was content that [he]_172-arslàn should deal with [her]_3317-her in all things as [he]_172-arslàn would . That such pourtrayals of [her]_3317-her were cruel [she]_3317-her never once thought : to [her]_3317-her all others had been so brutal that the cruelties of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn seemed soft as the south wind . To be for one instant a thing in the least wished for and endeared was to [her]_3317-her a miracle so wonderful , and so undreamt of , that it made [her]_3317-her life sublime to [her]_3317-her . “ Is that all the devil has done for [you]_172-arslàn ? ”_{[5341-the gardener]} cried [[the gardener]_{5341-the gardener} ’s wife]_{5342-the gardener ’s wife} from [the vine‐hung lattice]_{3339-the vine‐hung lattice} , leaning out while [the boat]_{1942-the boat} from [Yprès]_11-yprès went down [the water‐street beneath]_{3341-the water‐street beneath} . “ It was scarcely worth while to be [[his]_172-arslàn offspring]_{379-his offspring} if [he]_172-arslàn deal [you]_172-arslàn no better gifts than that . [He]_172-arslàn is as niggard as [the saints]_{329-the saints} are — [the little mean beasts]_{7070-the little mean beasts} . Do [you]_172-arslàn know that [the man who paints [you]_172-arslàn]_{7071-the man who paints you} brings death [they]_{7071-the man who paints you} say — sooner or later — to [every creature that lives again for [him]_172-arslàn in [his]_172-arslàn art]_{7072-every creature that lives again for him in his art} ? ”_[11-yprès] [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , beneath the dense brown shadows cast from the timbers of [the leaning houses]_{3342-the leaning houses} , raised [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes ; the eyes smiled , and yet they had a look in them that chilled even the mocking , careless wanton temper of [the woman who leaned above amongst the roses]_{3343-the woman who leaned above amongst the roses} . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} have heard it , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said , simply , as [her]_{104-folle‐farine} oar broke the shadows . “ And [you]_172-arslàn have no fear ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} “ [I]_{5341-the gardener} have no fear . ”_{[5341-the gardener]} [[The gardener]_{5341-the gardener} ’s wife]_{5342-the gardener ’s wife} laughed aloud , the silver pins shaking in [her]_{5342-the gardener ’s wife} yellow tresses . “ Well — [the devil]_{4853-the devil} gives strength , no doubt . But [I]_{5341-the gardener} will not say much for [the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s wage . A fine office [he]_{4853-the devil} set [you]_7075-you — [[his]_{4853-the devil} daughter]_{502-his daughter} — to lend [yourself]_7075-you to [a painter]_{7077-a painter} ’s eyes like [any wanton that [he]_{4853-the devil} could hire in [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} for a drink of wine]_{7078-any wanton that he could hire in the market‐place for a drink of wine} . If [the devil]_{4853-the devil} do no better than that for [you]_7075-you — [his]_{4853-the devil} own begotten,—I will cleave close to [the saints]_{329-the saints} and [the angels]_{7082-the angels} henceforth , though [they]_3347-they do take all the gems and the gold and the lace for [their]_3347-they altars , and bestow so little in answer . ”_{[5341-the gardener]} [The boat]_{1942-the boat} had passed on with slow and even measure ; no words of derision which [they]_3347-they could cast at [her]_3348-her had power to move [her]_3348-her any more than the fret of the ruffling rooks had power to move the cathedral spires around which [they]_3347-they beat with [their]_3347-they wings the empty air . The old dull , grey routine of perpetual toil was illumined and enriched . If any reviled [her]_3348-her , [she]_3348-her heard not . If any flung a stone at [her]_3348-her , [she]_3348-her caught it and dropped it on the grass , and went on with a glance of pardon . When [the rude children]_{3349-the rude children} ran after [her]_3348-her footsteps bawling and mouthing , [she]_3348-her turned and looked at [them]_{3349-the rude children} with a dreaming tenderness in [her]_3348-her eyes that rebuked [them]_{3349-the rude children} and held [them]_{3349-the rude children} silenced and afraid . Now , [she]_3348-her hated none ; nor could [she]_3348-her envy any . [The women]_{472-the women} were welcome to [their]_{472-the women} little joys of hearth and [home]_497-home ; [they]_{472-the women} were welcome to look for [[their]_{472-the women} lovers]_{3352-their lovers} across [the fields]_{316-the fields} with smiling eyes shaded from the sun , or to beckon [[their]_{472-the women} infants]_{3354-their infants} from [the dusky orchards]_{3355-the dusky orchards} to murmur fond foolish words and stroke the curls of flaxen down,—she begrudged [them]_{3349-the rude children} nothing : [she]_3348-her , too , had [her]_3348-her portion and [her]_3348-her treasure . Base usage can not make [base]_3356-base [a creature that gives itself nobly , purely , with unutterable and exhaustless love]_{3357-a creature that gives itself nobly , purely , with unutterable and exhaustless love} ; and whilst [the people in [the country]_{751-the country}]_{3358-the people in the country} round muttered at [her]_3348-her for [her]_3348-her vileness and disgrace , [she]_3348-her , all unwitting and made proud , raised high above the reach of taunt and censure by a deep and speechless joy that rendered hunger , and labour , and pain , and brutal tasks , and jibing glances indifferent to [her]_3348-her — nay , unfelt — went on [her]_3348-her daily ways with a light richer than the light of the sun in [her]_3348-her eyes , and in [her]_3348-her step the noble freedom of [one who has broken from bondage and entered into a heritage of grace]_{3360-one who has broken from bondage and entered into a heritage of grace} . [She]_3348-her was proud as with the pride of [one selected for some great dignity]_{3361-one selected for some great dignity} ; graced with the grace that a supreme devotion and a supreme ignorance made possible to [her]_3348-her . [He]_3362-his was as [a god]_{942-a god} to [her]_3348-her ; and [she]_3348-her had found favour in [his]_3362-his sight . Although by all others despised , to [him]_3362-his [she]_3348-her was beautiful ; a thing to be desired , not abhorred ; [a creature not cursed for daring to have a breath of mortal life , but thought worthy of life eternal amidst [the deathless children of [his]_3362-his genius]_{3365-the deathless children of his genius}]_{3364-a creature not cursed for daring to have a breath of mortal life , but thought worthy of life eternal amidst the deathless children of his genius} . It seemed to [her]_3348-her so wonderful that , night and day , in [her]_3348-her heart [she]_3348-her praised [God]_118-god for it — [that dim unknown God of whom [no man]_{392-no man} had taught [her]_3348-her , but whom [she]_3348-her [had vaguely grown to dream of and to honour , and to behold in the setting of the sun , and in the flux of]_{3368-had vaguely grown to dream of and to honour , and to behold in the setting of the sun , and in the flux of} [the sea]_{405-the sea} , and in the mysteries of the starlit skies]_{3366-that dim unknown god of whom no man had taught her , but whom she had vaguely grown to dream of and to honour , and to behold in the setting of the sun , and in the flux of the sea , and in the mysteries of the starlit skies} . Of shame to [her]_3348-her in it [she]_3348-her had no thought : a passion strong as fire in its force , pure as crystal in its unselfishness , possessed [her]_3348-her for [him]_3362-his , and laid [her]_3348-her at [his]_3362-his feet to be done with as [he]_3362-his would . [She]_3348-her would have crouched to [him]_3362-his like a dog ; [she]_3348-her would have worked for [him]_3362-his like [a slave]_{5533-a slave} ; [she]_3348-her would have killed [herself]_3348-her if [he]_3362-his had bidden [her]_3348-her without a word of resistance or a moan of regret . To be touched by [him]_3362-his one moment as [his]_3362-his hand moved some wave of [her]_3348-her hair or some fold of [her]_3348-her drapery , as [he]_3362-his studied an outline or changed an attitude , was to [her]_3348-her the greatest glory life could know . To be a pleasure to [him]_3362-his for one hour , to see [his]_3362-his eyes tell [her]_3348-her once , however carelessly or coldly , that [she]_3348-her had any beauty fit for [his]_3362-his pourtrayal , was to [her]_3348-her the noblest fate that could befall [her]_3348-her . To [him]_3362-his [she]_3348-her was no more than the cluster of grapes to the wayfarer , who brushes their bloom off and steals their sweetness , then casts them down to be trampled on , by whosoever [the next comer]_{3371-the next comer} be . But to this creature , who had no guide except [her]_3348-her instincts of passion and sacrifice , who had no guard except the pure scorn that had kept [her]_3348-her from the meanness and coarseness of the vices around [her]_3348-her , this was unintelligible , unsuspected ; and if [she]_3348-her had understood it , [she]_3348-her would have accepted it mutely , in that abject humility which had bent the dauntless temper in [her]_3348-her to [his]_3362-his will . To be of use to [him,—to]_{3372-him,—to} be held of any worth to [him]_3362-his , — to have [his]_3362-his eyes find any loveliness to study in her,—to be to [him]_3362-his only as the flower which [he]_3362-his broke from the stem to copy its bloom on [his]_3362-his canvas , and then cast out on the sand to wither as it would,—this , even this , seemed to [her]_3348-her the highest fate to which [she]_3348-her could have had election . That [he]_3362-his only borrowed the colour of [her]_3348-her cheek and the outline of [her]_3348-her limbs , as [he]_3362-his had borrowed a thousand times ere then the venal charms of [the dancing‐women of [taverns]_3374-taverns and [play‐houses]_{3375-play‐houses}]_{3373-the dancing‐women of taverns and play‐houses} , and the hireling graces of [the wanton who strayed in the public ways]_{3376-the wanton who strayed in the public ways} , was a knowledge that never touched [her]_3348-her with its indignity . To [her]_3348-her [his]_3362-his art was a religion , supreme , passionless , eternal , whose sacrificial fires ennobled and consecrated all that [they]_3377-they consumed . “ Though [I]_3348-her shall die as the leaf dies in [my]_3348-her body , yet [I]_3348-her shall live for ever embalmed amidst the beauty of [his]_3362-his thoughts , ”_[3348-her] [she]_3348-her told [herself]_3348-her perpetually , and all [her]_3348-her life became transfigured . ONE day , while the year was still young , though the first thunder‐heats of the early summer had come , [he]_3362-his asked [her]_3348-her to go with [him]_3362-his to [the sea]_{405-the sea} ere the sun set . “ [The sea]_{405-the sea} ! ”_[3348-her] [she]_3348-her repeated . “ What is that ? ”_[3348-her] “ Is it possible that [you]_3348-her do not know ? ”_[3362-his] [he]_3362-his asked , in utter wonder—“you who have lived all these years within two leagues of it ! ”_[3348-her] “ [I]_3348-her have heard of it , ”_[3348-her] [she]_3348-her said , simply ; “ but [I]_3348-her can not tell what it is . ”_[3348-her] “ [The man]_{857-the man} has never lived yet who could tell — in fit language . [Poseidon]_212-poseidon is [the only one of all [the old gods of [Hellas]_74-hellas who still lives and reigns]_{7086-the old gods of hellas who still lives and reigns} . [We]_7087-we will go to [[his]_212-poseidon kingdom]_{4868-his kingdom}]_{7085-the only one of all the old gods of hellas who still lives and reigns . we will go to his kingdom} . Sight is better than speech . ”_[3348-her] So [he]_3362-his took [her]_3348-her along [the slow course of [the inland water]_{3380-the inland water}]_{3379-the slow course of the inland water} through the osiers and [the willows]_{3381-the willows} , down to where [the slow river‐ripples]_{3382-the slow river‐ripples} would meet the swift salt waves . It was true what [she]_3348-her had said , that [she]_3348-her had never even beheld [the sea]_{405-the sea} . [Her]_3348-her errands had always been to and fro between [the mill]_{281-the mill} and [the quay]_{3385-the quay} in [the town]_{482-the town} , no farther ; [she]_3348-her had exchanged so little communion with [the people of [the district]_{295-the district}]_{3387-the people of the district} that [she]_3348-her knew nothing of whither [the barges]_{3389-the barges} went that took away the corn and fruit , nor whence [the big boats]_{3390-the big boats} came that brought the coals and fish ; when [she]_3348-her had a little space of leisure to [herself]_3348-her [she]_3348-her had wandered indeed but never so far as [the shore]_{2087-the shore} ; almost always in [the woods]_{344-the woods} and [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} , never where [the river]_{356-the river} , widening as it ran , spread out between level banks , until , touching [the sea]_{405-the sea} , [it]_{356-the river} became [a broad estuary]_{3396-a broad estuary} . [She]_3348-her had heard speak of [the sea]_{405-the sea} , indeed , as of [some great highway on which [men]_364-men travelled incessantly to and fro]_{3398-some great highway on which men travelled incessantly to and fro} ; as of something unintelligible , remote , belonging to [others]_5531-others , indifferent and alien to [herself]_3348-her . When [she]_3348-her had thought of it at all , [she]_3348-her had only thought of [it]_3401-it as probably [some wide canal black with mud and dust]_{3402-some wide canal black with mud and dust} , and edged by dull pathways slippery and toilsome , along which tired horses towed heavy burdens all day long , that [men]_364-men and [women]_365-women might be thereby enriched . Of the beauty and the mystery , of the infinite sweetness and solace of [the sea]_{405-the sea} , [she]_3348-her knew no more than [she]_3348-her knew of any loveliness or of any pity in human nature . A few leagues off , where [the stream]_{374-the stream} widened into [a bay]_{3407-a bay} and was hemmed in by sand‐banks in lieu of [[its]_{356-the river} flat green pastures]_{3408-its flat green pastures} , there was [a little fishing town]_{3409-a little fishing town} , built under [the great curve of beetling cliffs]_{3410-the great curve of beetling cliffs} , and busy with all the stir and noise of [mart and wharf]_{3411-mart and wharf} . There [the sea]_{405-the sea} was crowded with many masts and ruddy with red‐brown canvas ; and the air was full of the salt scent of rotting sea‐weed , of stiff sails spread out to dry , of great shoals of fish poured out upon [the beach]_{3413-the beach} , and of [dusky noisome cabins]_{3414-dusky noisome cabins} [, foul‐smelling , and made hideous by fish‐wives]_{3415-, foul‐smelling , and made hideous by fish‐wives} ’ oaths , and the death‐screams of scalded shell‐fish . [He]_3416-he did not take [her]_3348-her thither . [He]_3416-he took [her]_3348-her half‐way down [the stream]_{374-the stream} whilst [it]_{374-the stream} was still sleepily beautiful with pale grey willows and [green meadow land]_{3418-green meadow land} , and [acres of silvery reeds]_{3419-acres of silvery reeds} , and here and there [some quaint old steeple]_{3420-some quaint old steeple} or some apple‐hidden roofs on either side [its]_{356-the river} banks . But midway [he]_3416-he left [the water]_{265-the water} and stretched out across [the country]_{751-the country} , [she]_3348-her beside [him]_3416-he , moving with that rapid , lithe , and stag‐like ease of limbs which have never known restraint . [Some few people]_{3423-some few people} passed [them]_{3423-some few people} on [their]_{3423-some few people} way ; [a child]_{657-a child} , taking the cliff‐road to [[his]_{657-a child} home]_{2724-his home} under [the rocks]_{3426-the rocks} , with a big blue pitcher in [his]_{657-a child} hands ; [an old man , who had a fishing‐brig at sea and toiled up there to look for [her]_3348-her , with a grey dog at [his]_3416-he heels , and the smell of salt‐water in [his]_3416-he clothes]_{3427-an old man , who had a fishing‐brig at sea and toiled up there to look for her , with a grey dog at his heels , and the smell of salt‐water in his clothes} ; [a goat‐herd , clad in rough skins wool outward , and killing birds with stones as [he]_3416-he went]_{3428-a goat‐herd , clad in rough skins wool outward , and killing birds with stones as he went} ; [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , with a blue skirt and scarlet hose , and a bundle of boughs and brambles on [her]_{4876-a woman} head , with here and there a stray winter berry glowing red through the tender green leafage ; all these looked askance at [them]_{3423-some few people} , and [the goat‐herd]_{3430-the goat‐herd} muttered a curse , and [the woman]_{633-the woman} a prayer , and gave [them]_{3423-some few people} wide way through the stunted furze , for [they]_{3423-some few people} were both of [them]_{3423-some few people} accursed in [the people]_{4948-the people} ’s sight . “ [You]_3348-her find it hard to live apart from [[your]_3348-her kind]_{7089-your kind} ? ”_[3416-he] [he]_3416-he asked [her]_3348-her suddenly as [they]_{3423-some few people} gained [the fields where no human habitation at all was left]_{3433-the fields where no human habitation at all was left} , and over which hung , in the radiance of the sunlit skies , the pale crescent of a week‐old moon . “ To live apart?”—she_[3348-her] did not understand . “ Yes — like this . To see [no child]_{7090-no child} smile , to hear [no woman]_{1187-no woman} gossip , [no man]_{392-no man} exchange good morrow with [you]_3348-her . Is it any sorrow to [you]_3348-her ? ”_[3348-her] [Her]_3348-her eyes flashed fiercely . “ What does it matter ? It is best so . [One]_1305-one is free . [One]_1305-one owes nothing — not so much as a fair word . That is well . ”_[3348-her] “ [I]_3416-he think it is well — if one is strong enough for it . It wants strength . ”_[3416-he] “ [I]_3348-her am strong . ”_[3348-her] [She]_3348-her spoke quietly , with the firm and simple consciousness of force , which has as little of vanity in it as it has of weakness . “ To live apart , ”_[3348-her] [she]_3348-her said , after a pause , in which [he]_3416-he had not answered . “ [I]_3348-her know what [you]_3416-he mean — now . It is well — it is well with [those men [you]_3416-he tell [me]_3348-her of when [the world]_{268-the world} was young , who left [all other men]_{7097-all other men} and went to live with [the watercourse and the wild dove]_{7098-the watercourse and the wild dove} , and the rose and the palm , and [the great yellow desert]_{7099-the great yellow desert}]_{7095-those men you tell me of when the world was young , who left all other men and went to live with the watercourse and the wild dove , and the rose and the palm , and the great yellow desert} ; was it not well ? ”_[3348-her] “ So well with [them]_{7095-those men you tell me of when the world was young , who left all other men and went to live with the watercourse and the wild dove , and the rose and the palm , and the great yellow desert} that [men]_364-men worshipped [them]_{7095-those men you tell me of when the world was young , who left all other men and went to live with the watercourse and the wild dove , and the rose and the palm , and the great yellow desert} for it . But there is no such worship now . [The cities]_{1111-the cities} are [the kingdom of [heaven]_1212-heaven]_{7102-the kingdom of heaven} ; not [the deserts]_{6167-the deserts} ; and [he]_3435-he who hankers for [the wilderness]_{3128-the wilderness} is stoned in [the streets]_{5229-the streets} as [a fool]_{4935-a fool} . And how should it be well with [you]_3435-he , who have neither wild rose nor wild dove for compensation , but are only beaten and hooted , and hated and despised ? ”_[3434-her] [Her]_3434-her eyes glittered , and [her]_3434-her voice was hard and fierce as [she]_3434-her answered [him]_3435-he . “ See here.—There is a pretty golden thing in [the west road of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{7108-the west road of the town} who fears [me]_3434-her horribly , [Yvonne]_213-yvonne , [[the pottery painter]_{7110-the pottery painter} ’s daughter]_{7111-the pottery painter ’s daughter} . [She]_3434-her says to [[her]_3434-her father]_{389-her father} at evening , ‘ [I]_3434-her must go read [the offices]_{7113-the offices} to [old Mother Margot]_{214-old mother margot} ; ’ and [he]_3435-he says , ‘ Go , [[my]_3434-her daughter]_{7114-my daughter} ; piety and reverence of age are twin blossoms off one stem of a tree that grows at the right hand of [God]_118-god in [Paradise]_75-paradise . ’ “_[3434-her] And [she]_3434-her goes ; not to [Margot]_{214-old mother margot} , but to a little booth where there is dancing and singing and brawling , that [[her]_3434-her father]_{389-her father} has forbade [her]_3434-her to go near by a league . “ There is [an old man at the corner of [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place}]_{7115-an old man at the corner of the market‐place} , [Ryno]_215-ryno , [the fruit seller]_{7117-the fruit seller} , who says that [I]_{3437-a woman who makes lace at the windows of the house against the fourth gate} am accursed , and spits out at [me]_{3437-a woman who makes lace at the windows of the house against the fourth gate} as [I]_{3437-a woman who makes lace at the windows of the house against the fourth gate} pass . [He]_215-ryno says to [the people]_{4948-the people} as [they]_{4948-the people} go by [[his]_215-ryno stall]_{7119-his stall} , ‘ See these peaches , they are smooth and rosy as [a child]_{657-a child} ’s cheek ; sweet and firm ; not their like betwixt this and [Paris]_10-paris . [I]_{3437-a woman who makes lace at the windows of the house against the fourth gate} will let [you]_{4948-the people} have them cheap , so cheap ; [I]_{3437-a woman who makes lace at the windows of the house against the fourth gate} need sorely to send money to [[my]_{3437-a woman who makes lace at the windows of the house against the fourth gate} sick son]_{7121-my sick son} in [Africa]_76-africa . ’ And [the people]_{4948-the people} pay , greedily ; and when the peaches are [home]_497-home [they]_{4948-the people} see a little black speck in each of [them]_{4948-the people} , and all save [their]_{4948-the people} bloom is rottenness . “_{[3437-a woman who makes lace at the windows of the house against the fourth gate]} There is [a woman who makes lace at the windows of [the house]_{323-the house} against the fourth gate]_{3437-a woman who makes lace at the windows of the house against the fourth gate} ; [Marion Silvis]_{216-marion silvis} ; [she]_{216-marion silvis} is white and sleek , and blue‐eyed ; [the priests]_{514-the priests} honour [her]_{216-marion silvis} , and [she]_{216-marion silvis} never misses a mass . [She]_{216-marion silvis} has [an old blind mother whom [she]_{216-marion silvis} leaves in [[her]_{216-marion silvis} room]_{3441-her room} . [She]_{216-marion silvis} goes out softly at nightfall , and [she]_{216-marion silvis} slips to a wine‐shop full of [soldiers]_{1969-soldiers} , and [[her]_{216-marion silvis} lovers]_{3443-her lovers} kiss [her]_{216-marion silvis} on the mouth]_{3440-an old blind mother whom she leaves in her room . she goes out softly at nightfall , and she slips to a wine‐shop full of soldiers , and her lovers kiss her on the mouth} . And [the old mother]_{5373-the old mother} sits moaning and hungry at [home]_497-home ; and a night ago [she]_{5373-the old mother} was badly burned , being alone . Now — is it well or not to be hated of [those people]_{5468-those people} ? If [I]_0-her had loved [them]_{5468-those people} , and [they]_{5468-those people} [me]_0-her , [I]_0-her might have become [a liar]_{3447-a liar} , and have thieved , and have let [men]_364-men kiss [me]_0-her , likewise . ” [She]_{216-marion silvis} spoke with aa thoughtful and fierce earnestness , not witting of the caustic in [her]_{216-marion silvis} own words , meaning simply what [she]_{216-marion silvis} said , and classing the kisses of [men]_364-men as some sort of weakness and vileness , like those of a theft and a lie ; as [she]_{216-marion silvis} had come to do out of a curious , proud , true instinct that was in [her]_{216-marion silvis} , and not surely from the teaching of any creature . [She]_{216-marion silvis} in [her]_{216-marion silvis} way loved [the man who walked beside [her]_{216-marion silvis}]_{7125-the man who walked beside her} ; but it was a love of which [she]_{216-marion silvis} was wholly unconscious ; a pity , a sorrow , a reverence , a cultus , a deification , all combined , that had little or nothing in common with the loves of human kind , and which still left [her]_{216-marion silvis} speech as free , and [her]_{216-marion silvis} glance as fearless , with [him]_{7125-the man who walked beside her} as with any other . [He]_{7125-the man who walked beside her} knew that ; and [he]_{7125-the man who walked beside her} did not care to change it ; it was singular , and gave [her]_{216-marion silvis} half [her]_{216-marion silvis} charm of savagery and innocence commingled . [He]_{7125-the man who walked beside her} answered [her]_{216-marion silvis} merely , with a smile : “_[3449-you] [You]_3449-you are only [a barbarian]_{3450-a barbarian} ; how should [you]_3449-you understand that the attractions of civilization lie in its multiplications of the forms of vice ? [Men]_364-men would not bear its yoke an hour if it did not in return facilitate [their]_364-men sins . [You]_3449-you are [an outcast]_{5498-an outcast} from it;—so [you]_3449-you have kept [your]_3449-you hands honest and [your]_3449-you lips pure . [You]_3449-you may be right to be thankful — [I]_0-her would not pretend to decide . ” “_[0-her] At least — [I]_0-her would not be as [they]_3453-they are , ” [she]_{216-marion silvis} answered [him]_{7125-the man who walked beside her} with a curl of the mouth , and a gleam in [her]_{216-marion silvis} eyes : the pride of [the old nomadic tribes]_{7126-the old nomadic tribes} , whose blood was in [her]_{216-marion silvis} , asserting itself against the claimed superiority of [the tamed and hearth‐bound races — blood that ran free and fearless to the measure of boundless winds and rushing waters]_{7127-the tamed and hearth‐bound races — blood that ran free and fearless to the measure of boundless winds and rushing waters} ; that made [the forest]_{357-the forest} and [the plain]_{7129-the plain} , the dawn and the darkness , the flight of [the wild roe]_{926-the wild roe} and the hiding‐place of the wood‐pigeon , dearer than any roof‐tree , sweeter than [any nuptial bed]_{7131-any nuptial bed} . [She]_{216-marion silvis} had left the old life so long;—so long that even [her]_{216-marion silvis} memories of it were dim as dreams , and its language had died off [her]_{216-marion silvis} lips in all save the broken catches of [her]_{216-marion silvis} songs ; but the impulses of it were in [her]_{216-marion silvis} , vivid and ineradicable , and the scorn with which [the cowed and timid races of shed and of homestead]_{7132-the cowed and timid races of shed and of homestead} regarded [her]_{216-marion silvis} , [she]_{216-marion silvis} , [the daughter of [Taric]_124-taric]_{1799-the daughter of taric} , gave back to [them]_3454-their in tenfold measure . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her would not be as [they]_3454-their are ! ” [she]_0-her repeated . “_[3454-their] To sit and spin ; to watch [their]_3454-their soup pot boil ; to spend [their]_3454-their days under a close roof ; to shut the stars out , and cover [themselves]_3454-their in [their]_3454-their beds , as swine do with [their]_3454-their straw in the sty ; to huddle altogether in thousands , fearing to do what [they]_3454-their will , lest the tongue of [[their]_3454-their neighbour]_{3455-their neighbour} wag evil of it ; to cheat a little and steal a little , and lie always when the false word serves [them]_3454-their , and to mutter to [themselves]_3454-their , ‘ [God]_118-god will wash [us]_3454-their free of [our]_3454-their sins , ’ and then to go and sin again stealthily , thinking [men]_364-men will not see and sure that [[their]_3454-their God]_{1335-their god} will give [them]_3454-their a quittance;—that is [their]_3454-their life . [I]_0-her would not be as [they]_3454-their are . ” And [her]_0-her spirits rose , and [her]_0-her earliest life in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} seemed to flash on [her]_0-her for one moment clear and bright through the veil of the weary years , and [she]_0-her walked erect and swiftly through the gorse , singing by [his]_7134-he side the bold burden of one of the old sweet songs . And for the first time the thought passed over [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , “_[0-her] [This tameless wild doe]_{3458-this tameless wild doe} would crouch like a spaniel , and be yoked as a beast of burden,—if [I]_0-her chose . ” Whether or not [he]_7134-he chose [he]_7134-he was not sure . [She]_0-her was beautiful in [her]_0-her way ; barbaric , dauntless , innocent , savage ; [he]_7134-he cared to hurt , to please , to arouse , to study , to pourtray [her]_0-her ; but to seek love from [her]_0-her [he]_7134-he did not care . And yet [she]_0-her was most lovely in [her]_0-her own wild fashion , like a young desert mare , or a seagull on the wing ; and [he]_7134-he wondered to [himself]_7134-he that [he]_7134-he cared for [her]_0-her no more , as [he]_7134-he moved beside [her]_0-her through the thickets of the gorse and against the strong winds blowing from [the sea]_{405-the sea} . There was so little passion in [him]_7134-he . [He]_7134-he had tossed aside the hair of [dead women]_{7136-dead women} and pourtrayed the limbs and the features of [living ones]_{7137-living ones} till that ruthless pursuit had brought its own penalty with it ; and the beauty of [women]_365-women scarcely moved [him]_7134-he more than did the plumage of a bird or the contour of a marble . [His]_7134-he senses were drugged , and [his]_7134-he heart was dead ; it was well that it should be so , [he]_7134-he had taught [himself]_7134-he to desire it ; and yet—. As [they]_7139-they left the cliff road for [the pathless downs]_{7140-the pathless downs} that led toward [the summit of the rocks]_{7141-the summit of the rocks} , [they]_7139-they passed by [a little way‐side hut]_{7142-a little way‐side hut} , red with climbing creepers , and all alone on the sandy soil , like the little nest of a yellowhammer . Through [its]_{7142-a little way‐side hut} unclosed shutter the light of the sun streamed on to [the pathway]_{7143-the pathway} ; the interior was visible . [It]_{7142-a little way‐side hut} was very poor ; a floor of mud , a couch of rushes ; a hearth on which a few dry sticks were burning ; walls lichen‐covered and dropping moisture . Before the sticks , kneeling and trying to take them burn up more brightly to warm the one black pot that hung above them , was [a poor peasant girl]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} , and above [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} leaned [a man who was [[her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} lover]_{408-her lover} , [a fisher of [the coast]_{457-the coast} , as poor , as hardy , and as simple as [herself]_{7144-a poor peasant girl}]_{7147-a fisher of the coast , as poor , as hardy , and as simple as herself}]_{7145-a man who was her lover , a fisher of the coast , as poor , as hardy , and as simple as herself} . In [the man]_{857-the man} ’s eyes the impatience of love was shining , and as [she]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} lifted [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} head , after breathing with all [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} strength on the smoking sticks , [he]_{857-the man} bent and drew [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} in [his]_{857-the man} arms and kissed [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} rosy mouth and the white lids that drooped over [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} blue smiling northern eyes . [She]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} let the fuel lie still to blaze or smoulder as it would , and leaned [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} head against [him]_{857-the man} , and laughed softly at [his]_{857-the man} eagerness . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn glanced at [them]_{3459-poor brutes} as [he]_{857-the man} passed . “_[0-her] [Poor brutes]_{3459-poor brutes} ! ” [he]_{857-the man} muttered . “_{[3459-poor brutes]} Yet how happy [they]_{3459-poor brutes} are ! It must be well to be so easily content , and to find a ready‐made fool ’s paradise in [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s lips . ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , hearing [him]_{857-the man} , paused , and looked also . [She]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} trembled suddenly , and walked on in silence . A new light broke on [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} , and dazzled [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} , and made [her]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} afraid : this forest‐born creature , who had never known what fear was . [The ground]_{5068-the ground} ascended as [it]_{5068-the ground} stretched seaward , but on [it]_{5068-the ground} there were only wide dull fields of colza or of grass lying , sickly and burning , under the fire of the late afternoon sun . [The slope]_{7151-the slope} was too gradual to break [their]_{3459-poor brutes} monotony . Above [them]_{3459-poor brutes} was the cloudless weary blue ; below [them]_{3459-poor brutes} was the faint parched green ; other colour there was none ; [one little dusky panting bird]_{7152-one little dusky panting bird} flew by pursued by a kite ; that was the only change . [She]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} asked [him]_{857-the man} no questions ; [she]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} walked mutely and patiently by [his]_{857-the man} side ; [she]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} hated the dull heat , the colourless waste , the hard scorch of the air , the dreary changelessness of the scene . But [she]_{7144-a poor peasant girl} did not say so . [He]_{857-the man} had chosen to come to [them]_{3459-poor brutes} . A league onward [the fields]_{316-the fields} were merged into [a heath , uncultivated and covered with short prickly furze]_{7154-a heath , uncultivated and covered with short prickly furze} ; on the brown earth between the stunted bushes a few groats were cropping the burnt‐up grasses . Here the slope grew sharper , and [the earth]_{288-the earth} seemed to rise up between the sky and them , steep and barren as [a house‐roof]_{7156-a house‐roof} . Once [he]_{857-the man} asked [her]_3461-her — “_{[4876-a woman]} Are [you]_3461-her tired ? ” “_[3461-her] [She]_3461-her shook [her]_3461-her head . [Her]_3461-her feet ached , and [her]_3461-her heart throbbed ; [her]_3461-her limbs were heavy like lead in the heat and the toil . But [she]_3461-her did not tell [him]_3462-him so . [She]_3461-her would have dropped dead from exhaustion rather than have confessed to [him]_3462-him any weakness . [He]_3462-him took the denial as it was given , and pressed onward up the ascent . The sun was slanting towards the west ; the skies seemed like brass ; the air was sharp , yet scorching ; the dull brown earth still rose up before [them]_3463-them like a wall ; [they]_3463-them climbed [it]_3464-it slowly , and painfully , [their]_3463-them hands and [their]_3463-them teeth filled with its dust , which drifted in a cloud before [them]_3463-them . [He]_3462-him bade [her]_3461-her close [her]_3461-her eyes , and [she]_3461-her obeyed [him]_3462-him . [He]_3462-him stretched [his]_3462-him arm out and drew [her]_3461-her after [him]_3462-him up the ascent which was slippery from drought and prickly from the stunted growth of furze . On [the summit]_{3465-the summit} [he]_3462-him stood still and released [her]_3461-her . “ Now look . ”_[3462-him] [She]_3461-her opened [her]_3461-her eyes with the startled half‐questioning stare of [one led out from utter darkness]_{3466-one led out from utter darkness} into a full and sudden light . Then with a great cry , [she]_3461-her sank down on [the rock]_{1025-the rock} , trembling , weeping , laughing , stretching out [her]_3461-her arms to the new glory that met [her]_3461-her sight , dumb with its grandeur , delirious with its delight . For what [she]_3461-her saw was [the sea]_{405-the sea} . Before [her]_3461-her dazzled sight all its beauty stretched , the blueness of the waters meeting the blueness of the skies ; radiant with all the marvels of its countless hues ; softly stirred by a low wind that sighed across [it]_{405-the sea} ; bathed in a glow of gold that streamed on [it]_{405-the sea} from the westward ; rolling from north to south in slow sonorous measure , filling the silent air with the ceaseless melody of its wondrous voice . The lustre of the sunset beamed upon it ; the cool fresh smell of its water shot like new life through all the scorch and stupor of the day ; its white foam curled and broke on the brown curving rocks and [wooded inlets of [the shores]_{3470-the shores}]_{3469-wooded inlets of the shores} ; innumerable birds , that gleamed like silver , floated or flew above [its]_{405-the sea} surface ; all was still , still as death , save only for the endless movement of those white swift wings and the murmur of the waves , in which all meaner and harsher sounds of [earth]_5276-earth seemed lost and hushed to slumber and to silence . [The sea]_{405-the sea} alone reigned , as it reigned in the young years of [the earth]_{288-the earth} when [men]_364-men were not ; as , may be , it will be its turn to reign again in the years to come , when [men]_364-men and all [their]_364-men works shall have passed away and be no more seen nor any more remembered . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn watched [her]_3461-her in silence . [He]_172-arslàn was glad that it should awe and move [her]_3461-her thus . [The sea]_{405-the sea} was the only thing for which [he]_172-arslàn cared ; or which had any power over [him]_172-arslàn . In the northern winters of [his]_172-arslàn youth [he]_172-arslàn had known [the ocean]_{416-the ocean} , in one wild night ’s work , undo all that [men]_364-men had done to check and rule it , and burst through all the barriers that [they]_364-men had raised against it , and throw down the stones of the altar and quench the fires of the hearth , and sweep through the fold and the byre , and flood the cradle of [the child]_{272-the child} and [the grave of [the grandsire]_{3481-the grandsire}]_{3480-the grave of the grandsire} . [He]_172-arslàn had seen [its]_{405-the sea} storms wash away at one blow the corn harvests of years , and gather in the sheep from [the hills]_{931-the hills} , and take the life of [the shepherd]_{3195-the shepherd} with the life of [the flock]_{3484-the flock} . [He]_172-arslàn had seen it claim [lovers]_4914-lovers locked in [each other]_{555-each other} ’s arms , and toss the fair curls of [the first‐born]_{3487-the first‐born} as it tossed the riband weeds of its deeps . And [he]_172-arslàn had felt small pity ; it had rather given [him]_172-arslàn a certain sense of rejoicing and triumph to see the water laugh to scorn [those who were so wise in [their]_{3488-those who were so wise in their own conceit} own conceit]_{3488-those who were so wise in their own conceit} , and bind beneath its chains [those who held [themselves]_{3489-those who held themselves masters over all beasts of the field and birds of the air} masters over all beasts of [the field]_{290-the field} and birds of the air]_{3489-those who held themselves masters over all beasts of the field and birds of the air} . [Other men]_{1870-other men} dreaded [the sea]_{405-the sea} and cursed it ; but [he]_172-arslàn in [his]_172-arslàn way loved it almost with passion , and could [he]_172-arslàn have chosen the manner of [his]_172-arslàn death would have desired that it should be by [the sea]_{405-the sea} and through [the sea]_{405-the sea} ; a death cold and serene and dreamily voluptuous ; a death on which [no woman]_{1187-no woman} should look and in which [no man]_{392-no man} should have share . [He]_172-arslàn watched [her]_3497-her now for some time without speaking . When the first paroxysm of [her]_3497-her emotion had exhausted itself , [she]_3497-her stood motionless , [her]_3497-her figure like a statue of bronze against the sun , [her]_3497-her head sunk upon [her]_3497-her breast , [her]_3497-her arms outstretched as though beseeching that wondrous bright‐ ness which [she]_3497-her saw to take [her]_3497-her to itself and made [her]_3497-her one with it . [Her]_3497-her whole attitude expressed an unutterable worship . [She]_3497-her was like one who for the first time hears of [God]_118-god . “ What is it [you]_3497-her feel ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn asked [her]_3497-her suddenly . [He]_172-arslàn knew without asking ; but [he]_172-arslàn had made it [his]_172-arslàn custom to dissect all [her]_3497-her joys and sufferings with little heed whether [he]_172-arslàn thus added to either . At the sound of [his]_172-arslàn voice [she]_3497-her started , and a shiver shook [her]_3497-her as [she]_3497-her answered [him]_172-arslàn slowly , without withdrawing [her]_3497-her gaze from [the waters]_{373-the waters} , “ It has been there always — always — so near [me]_3497-her ? ”_[3497-her] “ Before [the land]_{4984-the land} , [the sea]_{405-the sea} was . ”_[3497-her] “ And [I]_3497-her never knew ! — ”_[3497-her] [Her]_3497-her head dropped on [her]_3497-her breast ; great tears rolled silently down [her]_3497-her cheeks ; [her]_3497-her arms fell to [her]_3497-her sides ; [she]_3497-her shivered again and sighed . [She]_3497-her knew all that [she]_3497-her had lost — this is the greatest grief that life holds . “ [You]_3497-her never knew , ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn made answer . “ There was only a sand‐hill between [you]_3497-her and all this glory ; but [the sand‐hill]_{7159-the sand‐hill} was enough . [Many people]_{7160-many people} never climb [theirs]_{7160-many people} all [their]_{7160-many people} lives long . ”_{[172-arslàn]} The words and their meaning escaped [her]_3497-her . [She]_3497-her had for once no remembrance of [him]_172-arslàn ; nor any other sense save of this surpassing wonder that had thus burst on [her]_3497-her — this miracle that had been near [her]_3497-her for so long , yet of which [she]_3497-her had never in all [her]_3497-her visions dreamed . [She]_3497-her was quite silent ; sunk there on [her]_3497-her knees , motionless , gazing straight , with eyes unblenching , at the light . There was no sound near [them]_3499-them , nor was there anything in sight except where above against the deepest azure of the sky two curlews were circling around each other , and in the distance [a single ship]_{3500-a single ship} was gliding , with sails silvered by the sun . All signs of human life lay far behind ; severed from [them]_3499-them by those steep scorched slopes swept only by the plovers and the bees . And all the while [she]_3497-her looked slow tears gathered in [her]_3497-her eyes and fell , and the loud hard beating of [her]_3497-her heart was audible in the hushed stillness of the upper air . [He]_172-arslàn waited awhile : then [he]_172-arslàn spoke to [her]_3497-her . “ Since it pains [you]_3497-her , come away . ”_{[172-arslàn]} A great sob shuddered through [her]_3497-her . “ Give [me]_3497-her that pain , ”_[3497-her] [she]_3497-her muttered , “ sooner than any joy . Pain ? Pain ? — it is life , heaven , liberty ! ”_[3497-her] For suddenly those words which [she]_3497-her had heard spoken around [her]_3497-her , and which had been to [her]_3497-her like the mutterings of [the deaf and the dumb]_{3501-the deaf and the dumb} , became real to [her]_3497-her with a thousand meanings . [Men]_364-men use them unconsciously , figuring by [them]_364-men all the marvels of [their]_364-men existence , all the agonies of [their]_364-men emotions , all the mysteries of [their]_364-men pangs and passions , for which [they]_364-men have no other names ; and even so [she]_3497-her used them now in the tumult of awe , in the torture of joy , that possessed [her]_3497-her . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn looked at [her]_3497-her , and let [her]_3497-her be . Passionless [himself]_172-arslàn , except in the pursuit of [his]_172-arslàn art , the passions of this untrained and intense nature had interest for [him]_172-arslàn — the cold interest of analysis and dissection , not of sympathy . As [he]_172-arslàn pourtrayed [her]_3497-her physical beauty scarcely moved by its flush of colour and grace of mould , so [he]_172-arslàn pursued the development of [her]_3497-her mind searchingly , but with little pity and little tenderness . The seagulls were lost in the heights of the air ; [the ship]_{3217-the ship} sailed on into the light till the last gleam of its canvas vanished ; the sun sank westward lower and lower till it glowed in a globe of flame upon the edge of [the water]_{265-the water} ; [she]_3497-her never moved ; standing there on the summit of [the cliff]_{3505-the cliff} , with [her]_3497-her head drooped upon [her]_3497-her breast , [her]_3497-her form thrown out dark and motionless against the gold of the western sky , on [her]_3497-her face still that look of [one who worships with intense honour and passionate faith an unknown God]_{3506-one who worships with intense honour and passionate faith an unknown god} . The sun sank entirely , leaving only a trail of flame across the heavens ; [the waters]_{373-the waters} grew grey and purple in the shadows ; [one boat]_{3508-one boat} , black against the crimson reflections of [the west]_{2138-the west} , swept on swiftly with the in‐rushing tide ; the wind rose and blew long curls of seaweed on [the rocks]_{3426-the rocks} ; [the shores of [the bay]_{3512-the bay}]_{3511-the shores of the bay} were dimmed in a heavy mist , through which the lights of [the little hamlets]_{3513-the little hamlets} dimly glowed , and the distant voices of [fishermen]_{3514-fishermen} calling to [each other]_{555-each other} as [they]_{3514-fishermen} drew in [their]_{3514-fishermen} deep‐sea nets came faint and weird‐like . Still [she]_3497-her never moved ; [the sea]_{405-the sea} at [her]_3497-her feet seemed to magnetize [her]_3497-her , and draw [her]_3497-her to it with some unseen power . [She]_3497-her started again as [Arslàn]_172-arslàn spoke . “ This is but [a land‐locked bay]_{7161-a land‐locked bay} , ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn said , with some contempt ; [[he]_172-arslàn who had seen the white aurora rise over [the untraversed ocean]_{3518-the untraversed ocean} of [an Arctic world]_{3519-an arctic world}]_{3517-he who had seen the white aurora rise over the untraversed ocean of an arctic world} , “ and it lies quiet enough there , like a duck pool , in the twilight . Tell [me]_172-arslàn , why does it move [you]_3497-her so ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [She]_3497-her gave a heavy , stifled sigh . “ It looks so free . And [I]_3497-her — ”_[3497-her] On [her]_3497-her there had vaguely come of late the feeling that [she]_3497-her had only exchanged one tyranny for another ; that , leaving the dominion of ignorance , [she]_3497-her had only entered upon a slavery still sterner and more binding . In every vein of [her]_3497-her body there leaped and flashed and lived the old free blood of an ever‐lawless , of an often‐criminal , race , yet , though with its instincts of rebellion so strong in [her]_3497-her , making [her]_3497-her break all bonds and tear off all yokes , [she]_3497-her was the slave of [a slave]_{5533-a slave} — since [she]_3497-her was [the slave of love]_{3521-the slave of love} . This [she]_3497-her did not know ; but its weight was upon [her]_3497-her . [He]_172-arslàn heard with a certain pity . [He]_172-arslàn was bound [himself]_172-arslàn by the chain of poverty and of [the world]_{268-the world} ’s forgetfulness , and [he]_172-arslàn had not even so much poor freedom as lies in the gilded imprisonment of fame . “ It is not free , ”_{[172-arslàn]} was all [he]_172-arslàn answered [her]_3497-her . “ It obeys the laws that govern it , and can not evade them . Its flux and reflux are not liberty , but obedience — just such obedience to natural law as [our]_7162-our life shows when it springs into being and slowly wears itself out and then perishes in its human form to live again in the motes of the air and the blades of the grass . There is no such thing as liberty ; [men]_364-men have dreamed of it , but nature has never accorded it . ”_{[172-arslàn]} The words passed coldly over [her]_3497-her : with [her]_3497-her senses steeped in that radiance of light , that divinity of calm , that breadth of vision , that trance of awe , the chilliness and the bitterness of fact recoiled from off [her]_3497-her intelligence , unabsorbed , as the cold rain‐drops roll off a rose . “ It is so free ! ”_[3497-her] [she]_3497-her murmured , regardless of [his]_172-arslàn words , “ if [I]_3497-her had only known — [I]_3497-her would have asked it to take [me]_3497-her so long ago . To float dead on it — as that bird floats — it would be so quiet there : and it would not fling [me]_3497-her back , [I]_3497-her think . It would have pity . ”_[3497-her] [Her]_3497-her voice was dreamy and gentle . The softness of an indescribable desire was in it . “ Is it too late ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn said , with that cruelty which cha‐ racterised all [his]_172-arslàn words to [her]_3497-her . “ Can [you]_3497-her have grown in love with life ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} “ [You]_172-arslàn live , ”_[3497-her] [she]_3497-her said , simply . [He]_172-arslàn was silent ; the brief innocent words rebuked [him]_172-arslàn . [They]_3523-they said , so clearly yet so unconsciously , the influence that [his]_172-arslàn life already had gained on [hers]_3497-her , whilst [hers]_3497-her was to [him]_172-arslàn no more than the brown seaweed was to the rock on which [the waters]_{373-the waters} tossed it . “ Let [us]_7164-us go down ! ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn said , abruptly , at length , “ it grows late . ”_{[172-arslàn]} With one longing backward look [she]_3497-her obeyed [him]_172-arslàn , moving like a creature in a dream , as [she]_3497-her went away , along the side of [the cliff]_{3505-the cliff} through the shadows , while the goats lying down for [their]_3526-their night ’s rest started and fled at the human footsteps . ONE evening , a little later , [he]_172-arslàn met [her]_3497-her in [the fields]_{316-the fields} on [the same spot where [Marcellin]_{135-marcellin} first had seen [her]_3497-her as [a child amongst the scarlet blaze of the poppies]_{3529-a child amongst the scarlet blaze of the poppies}]_{3528-the same spot where marcellin first had seen her as a child amongst the scarlet blaze of the poppies} . [The lands]_{3530-the lands} were all yellow with saffron and emerald with the young corn ; [she]_3497-her balanced on [her]_3497-her head a great brass jar ; the red girdle glowed about [her]_3497-her waist as [she]_3497-her moved : the wind stirred the folds of [her]_3497-her garments ; [her]_3497-her feet were buried in the shining grass ; clouds tawny and purple were behind [her]_3497-her ; [she]_3497-her looked like some Moorish phantom seen in a dream under [a sky of [Spain]_22-spain]_{3531-a sky of spain} . [He]_172-arslàn paused and gazed at [her]_3497-her with eyes half content , half cold . [She]_3497-her was of a beauty so uncommon , so strange , and all that was [his]_172-arslàn for [his]_172-arslàn art:—a great artist , whether in words , in melody , or in colour , is always cruel , or at the least seems so , for all things that live under the sun are to [him]_172-arslàn created only to minister to [his]_172-arslàn one inexorable passion . Art is so vast , and human life is so little . It is to [him]_172-arslàn only supremely just that the insect of an hour should be sacrificed to the infinite and eternal truth which must endure until the heavens themselves shall wither as a scroll that is held in a flame . It might have seemed to [Arslàn]_172-arslàn base to turn [her]_3497-her ignorance , and submission to [his]_172-arslàn will , for the gratification of [his]_172-arslàn amorous passions ; but to make these serve the art to which [he]_172-arslàn had [himself]_172-arslàn abandoned every earthly good was in [his]_172-arslàn sight justified , as the death‐agonies of [the youth whom [they]_3533-they decked with roses and slew in sacrifice to the sun , were in the sight of [the Mexican nation]_{3534-the mexican nation}]_{3532-the youth whom they decked with roses and slew in sacrifice to the sun , were in the sight of the mexican nation} . [The youth whom [the Mexicans]_{217-the mexicans} slew , on [the high hill of [the city]_{473-the city}]_{3536-the high hill of the city}]_{3535-the youth whom the mexicans slew , on the high hill of the city} , with [his]_{3535-the youth whom the mexicans slew , on the high hill of the city} face to the west was always the choicest and the noblest of all the opening flower of [their]_3533-they manhood : for it was [his]_{3535-the youth whom the mexicans slew , on the high hill of the city} fate to be called to enter into [the realms of eternal light]_{3538-the realms of eternal light} , and to dwell face to face with the unbearable brightness without whose rays [the universe]_{3049-the universe} would have perished frozen in perpetual night . So [the artist]_{6434-the artist} , who is true to [his]_{6434-the artist} art , regards every human sacrifice that [he]_{6434-the artist} renders up to it ; how can [he]_{6434-the artist} feel pity for a thing which perishes to feed a flame that [he]_{6434-the artist} deems the life of [the world]_{268-the world} ? The steel that [he]_{6434-the artist} draws out from the severed heart of [[his]_{6434-the artist} victim]_{3542-his victim} [he]_{6434-the artist} is ready to plunge into [his]_{6434-the artist} own vitals ; no other religion can vaunt as much of [its priests]_{3543-its priests} . “ What are [you]_3544-her thinking of to‐night ? ”_{[6434-the artist]} [he]_{6434-the artist} asked [her]_3544-her where [she]_3544-her came through [the fields]_{316-the fields} by the course of [a little flower‐sown brook]_{3546-a little flower‐sown brook} , fringed with tall bulrushes and waving willow‐stems . [She]_3544-her lifted [her]_3544-her eyelids with a dreamy and wistful regard . “ [I]_3544-her was thinking,—I wonder what [the reed]_{7165-the reed} felt that [you]_3544-her told [me]_3544-her of,—the one reed that [a god]_{942-a god} chose from all its millions by [the waterside]_{7167-the waterside} and cut down to make into a flute . ”_[3544-her] “ [Ah?—you]_3544-her see there are no reeds that make music now‐a‐days ; the reeds are only good to be woven into kreels for the fruits and the fish of [the market]_{948-the market} . ”_{[6434-the artist]} “ That is not the fault of the reeds ? ”_[3544-her] “ Not that [I]_3544-her know ; it is the fault of [men most likely who find the chink of coin in barter sweeter music than the song of the syrinx]_{7169-men most likely who find the chink of coin in barter sweeter music than the song of the syrinx} . But what do [you]_3544-her think the reed felt then?—pain to be so sharply severed from [its fellows]_{7170-its fellows} ? ”_[3544-her] “ No — or [the god]_{6183-the god} would not have chosen it . ”_{[6434-the artist]} “ What then ? ”_[3544-her] A troubled sigh parted [her]_3544-her lips ; these old fables were fairest truths to [her]_3544-her , and gave a grace to every humblest thing that the sun shone on , or the waters begat from [their]_3547-their foam , or the winds blew with [their]_3547-their breath into the little life of a day . “ [I]_172-arslàn was trying to think . But [I]_172-arslàn can not be sure . [These reeds]_{7172-these reeds} have forgotten . [They]_{7172-these reeds} have lost [their]_{7172-these reeds} soul . [They]_{7172-these reeds} want nothing but to feed among the sand and the mud , and grow in millions together , and shelter the toads and the newts,—there is not a note of music in [them]_{7172-these reeds} all — except when the wind rises and makes [them]_{7172-these reeds} sigh , and then [they]_{7172-these reeds} remember that long , long ago , the breath of [a great god]_{7173-a great god} was in [them]_{7172-these reeds} . ”_{[172-arslàn]} [Arslàn]_172-arslàn looked at [her]_3544-her where [she]_3544-her stood ; [her]_3544-her eyes resting on the reeds , and the brook at [her]_3544-her feet ; the crimson heat of the evening all about [her]_3544-her , on the brazen amphora , on the red girdle on [her]_3544-her loins , on the thoughtful parted lips , on the proud bent brows above which a golden butterfly floated as above the brows of [Psyche]_218-psyche . [He]_172-arslàn smiled ; the smile that was so cold to [her]_3544-her . “ Look : away over [the fields]_{316-the fields} , there comes [a peasant with a sickle]_{7175-a peasant with a sickle} ; [he]_{7175-a peasant with a sickle} comes to mow down the reeds to make a bed for [his]_{7175-a peasant with a sickle} cattle . If [he]_{7175-a peasant with a sickle} heard [you]_3544-her , [he]_{7175-a peasant with a sickle} would think [you]_3544-her mad . ”_{[172-arslàn]} “ [They]_7176-they have thought [me]_172-arslàn many things worse . What matter ? ’ “_{[172-arslàn]} Nothing at all;—that [I]_0-her know . But [you]_172-arslàn seem to envy that reed — so long ago — that was chosen ? ” “_{[172-arslàn]} Who would not ? ” “_{[172-arslàn]} Are [you]_172-arslàn so sure ? The life of the reed was always pleasant;—dancing there in the light , playing with the shadows , blowing in the winds ; with the cool waters all about it all day long , and the yellow daffodils and the blue bell flowers for its brethren . ” “_{[172-arslàn]} Nay:—how do [you]_172-arslàn know ? ” [Her]_3544-her voice was low , and thrilled with a curious eager pain . “_{[172-arslàn]} How do [you]_172-arslàn know ? ” [she]_3544-her murmured . “_{[172-arslàn]} [Rather,—it]_{3548-rather,—it} was born in [the sands]_{3549-the sands} , amongst the stones , of the chance winds , of the stray germs,—no one asking , [no one]_{264-no one} heeding , brought by a sunbeam , spat out by a toad — [no one]_{264-no one} caring where it dropped . [Rather,—it]_{219-rather,—it} grew there by [the river]_{356-the river} , and such millions of reeds grew with it , that neither waters nor winds could care for a thing so common and worthless , but the very snakes twisting in and out despised it , and thrust the arrows of [their]_3553-their tongues through it in scorn . And then — [I]_0-her think [I]_0-her see!—the great god walked by [the edge of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{2298-the edge of the river} , and [he]_172-arslàn mused on a gift to give [man]_4882-man , on a joy that should be a joy on [the earth]_{288-the earth} for ever ; and [he]_172-arslàn passed by the lily white as snow , by the thyme that fed the bees , by the gold heart in the arum flower , by the orange flame of the tall sand‐rush , by all the great water‐blossoms which the sun kissed , and the swallows loved , and [he]_172-arslàn came to the one little reed pierced with the snakes ’ tongues , and all alone amidst [millions]_{3558-millions} . Then [he]_172-arslàn took it up , and cut it to the root , and killed it;—killed it as a reed — but breathed into it a song audible and beautiful to all the ears of [men]_364-men . Was that death to the reed?—or life ? Would a thousand summers of life by [the waterside]_{7167-the waterside} have been worth that one thrill of song when [a god]_{942-a god} first spoke through it ? ” [Her]_7177-her face lightened with a radiance to which the passion of [her]_7177-her words was pale and poor ; the vibrations of [her]_7177-her voice grew sonorous and changing as the sounds of music itself ; [her]_7177-her eyes beamed through unshed tears as planets through the rain . [She]_7177-her spoke of the reed and the god:—she thought of [herself]_7177-her and of [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn was silent . [The reaper]_{7178-the reaper} came nearer to [them]_7179-them through the rosy haze of the evening , and cast a malignant eye upon [them]_7179-them , and bent [his]_{7178-the reaper} back and drew the curve of [his]_{7178-the reaper} hook through the rushes . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn watched the sweep of the steel . “_{[942-a god]} The reeds only fall now for the market . ” [He]_172-arslàn said , with a smile that was cruel . “_{[942-a god]} And [the gods]_{1366-the gods} are all dead — [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” [She]_7177-her did not understand ; but [her]_7177-her face lost its colour , [her]_7177-her heart sunk , [her]_7177-her lips closed . [She]_7177-her went on , treading down the long coils of the wild strawberries and the heavy grasses wet with the dew . The glow from the west died , a young moon rose , [the fields]_{316-the fields} and the skies grew dark . [He]_172-arslàn looked , and let [her]_7177-her go;—alone . In [this stray offspring of a cruel chance]_{7181-this stray offspring of a cruel chance} , [Hermes]_164-hermes , pitiful for once , had given [him]_172-arslàn a reed through which all sweetest and noblest music might have been breathed . But [Hermes]_164-hermes , when [he]_172-arslàn gives such a gift , leaves [the mortal on whom]_{7182-the mortal on whom} [he]_172-arslàn bestows it to make or to miss the music as [he]_172-arslàn may ; and to [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , [his]_172-arslàn reed was but a reed as the rest were — a thing that bloomed for a summer‐eve — a thing of [the stagnant water]_{7183-the stagnant water} and drifting sand — [a thing that lived by the breath of the wind]_{7184-a thing that lived by the breath of the wind} — a thing that [a man should cut down and weave in a crown for a day , and then cast aside on]_{7185-a man should cut down and weave in a crown for a day , and then cast aside on} [the stream]_{374-the stream} , and neither regret nor in anywise remember — a reed of [the river]_{356-the river} , as the rest were . “_{[104-folle‐farine]} ONLY a little gold ! ” [he]_172-arslàn thought , one day , looking on the Barabbas cartoon . “_{[104-folle‐farine]} As much as [I]_0-her have flung away on [a dancing‐woman]_{3563-a dancing‐woman} , or the dancing‐woman on the jewel for [her]_{3563-a dancing‐woman} breast . Only a little gold , and [I]_0-her should be free ; and with [me]_0-her these . ” The thought escaped [him]_172-arslàn unawares in broken words , one day , when [he]_172-arslàn thought [himself]_172-arslàn alone . This was a perpetual torture to [him]_172-arslàn , this captivity and penury , this aimlessness and fruitlessness , in which [his]_172-arslàn years were drifting , spent in the dull bodily labour that [any brainless human brute]_{7188-any brainless human brute} could execute as well as [he]_172-arslàn , consuming [his]_172-arslàn days in physical fatigue in order that a roof [he]_172-arslàn despised might cover [him]_172-arslàn , and a bread which was bitter as gall to [him]_172-arslàn might be [his]_172-arslàn to eat ; knowing all the while that the real strength which [he]_172-arslàn possessed , the real power that could give [him]_172-arslàn an empire amidst [[his]_172-arslàn fellows]_{1912-his fellows} , was dying away in [him]_172-arslàn as slowly but as surely as though [his]_172-arslàn brain were feasting fishes in the [river mud below]_{7190-river mud below} . So little!—just a few handfuls of that wealth that cheats and [wantons]_7191-wantons , [fools and panders]_{7192-fools and panders} , gathered and scattered so easily in that world with which [he]_172-arslàn had now no more to do than if [he]_172-arslàn were lying in [his]_172-arslàn grave,—and having this little , [he]_172-arslàn would be able to compel the gaze of [the world]_{268-the world} , and arouse the homage of its flinching fear , even if it should still continue to deny [him]_172-arslàn other victories . It was not the physical privations of poverty which could daunt [him]_172-arslàn . [[His]_172-arslàn boyhood]_{7194-his boyhood} had been spent in a health‐giving and simple training , amidst [a strong and hardy mountain‐ people]_{7195-a strong and hardy mountain‐ people} . It was nothing to [him]_172-arslàn to make [his]_172-arslàn bed on straw ; to bear hunger unblenchingly ; to endure cold and heat , and all the freaks and changes of wild weather . In the long nights of a northern winter [he]_172-arslàn had fasted for weeks on a salted fish and a handful of meal ; on [the polar seas]_{7196-the polar seas} [he]_172-arslàn had passed a winter ice‐blocked , with famine kept at bay only by the flesh of the seal , and [men]_364-men dying around [him]_172-arslàn raving in the madness of thirst . None of the physical ills of poverty could appal [him]_172-arslàn ; but its imprisonment , its helplessness , the sense of utter weakness , the impotence to rise and go to [other lands]_{7198-other lands} and other lives , the perpetual narrowness and darkness in which it compelled [him]_172-arslàn to abide , all these were horrible to [him]_172-arslàn ; [he]_172-arslàn loathed them as [a man]_{4875-a man} loathes the irons on [his]_{4875-a man} wrists , and the stone vault of [[his]_{4875-a man} prison‐cell]_{7200-his prison‐cell} . “_[0-her] If [I]_0-her had only money ! ” [he]_172-arslàn muttered , looking on [his]_172-arslàn Barabbas , “_[0-her] ever so little — ever so little ! ” For [he]_172-arslàn knew that if [he]_172-arslàn had as much gold as [he]_172-arslàn had thrown away in earlier times to [the Syrian beggar who had sat to [him]_172-arslàn on [[his]_172-arslàn house‐top at [Damascus]_54-damascus]_{7202-his house‐top at damascus}]_{7201-the syrian beggar who had sat to him on his house‐top at damascus} , [he]_172-arslàn could go to [a city]_{6616-a city} and make the work live in colour , and try once more to force from [men that wonder and that fear which are the highest tributes that the multitude]_{7204-men that wonder and that fear which are the highest tributes that the multitude} can give to the genius which arises amidst it . There was no creature in [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} with [him]_172-arslàn , except the spiders that wove in the darkness among the timbers . It was only just then dawn . The birds were singing in the thickets of [the water ’s edge]_{7206-the water ’s edge} ; a blue kingfisher skimmed the air above the rushes , and a dragon‐fly hunted insects over the surface of [the reeds by [the shore]_{2087-the shore}]_{7207-the reeds by the shore} ; the swallows , that built in the stones of [the tower]_{2323-the tower} , were wheeling to and fro , glad and eager for the sun . Otherwise it was intensely silent . In the breadth of shadow still cast across [the stream]_{374-the stream} by the walls of [the tower]_{2323-the tower} , [the market‐boat of [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{7212-the market‐boat of yprès} glided by , and the soft splash of the passing oars was a sound too familiar to arouse [him]_172-arslàn . But , unseen , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , resting one moment in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} transit to look up at that grim grey pile in which [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} paradise]_{7213-her paradise} was shut , watching and listening with the fine‐strung senses of a great love , heard through the open casement the muttered words which , out of the bitterness of [his]_3564-his heart , escaped [his]_3564-his lips unconsciously . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} heard and understood . Although a paradise to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , to [him]_3564-his it was only [a prison]_{7214-a prison} . “_[0-her] It is with [him]_3564-his as with the great black eagle that [they]_3565-they keep in [the bridge‐tower]_{3566-the bridge‐tower} , in a hole in the dark , with wings cut close and a stone tied to each foot , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way noiselessly down with the ebb tide on [the river]_{356-the river} . And [she]_{104-folle‐farine} sorrowed exceedingly for [his]_3564-his sake . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} knew nothing of all that [he]_3564-his remembered in the years of [his]_3564-his past — of all that [he]_3564-his had lost , whilst yet young , as [men]_364-men should only lose [their]_364-men joys in the years of [their]_364-men old age ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew nothing of [the cities]_{1111-the cities} and the habits of [the world]_{268-the world} — nothing of [the world]_{268-the world} ’s pleasures and [the world]_{268-the world} ’s triumphs . To [her]_{104-folle‐farine} it had always seemed strange that [he]_3564-his wanted any other life than this which [he]_3564-his possessed . To [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , the freedom , the strength , the simplicity of it , seemed noble , and all that the heart of [a man]_{4875-a man} could desire from fate . Going forth at sunrise to [his]_3564-his daily labour on the broad golden sheet of [the waters]_{373-the waters} , down to the sight and the sound and the smell of [the sea]_{405-the sea} , and returning at sunset to wander at will through [the woods]_{344-the woods} and [the pastures]_{2718-the pastures} in the soft evening shadows ; free to watch and pourtray with the turn of [his]_3564-his wrist the curl of each flower , the wonder of every cloud , the smile in [any woman]_{7226-any woman} ’s eyes , the gleam of any moonbeam through the leaves ; or to lie still on the grass , or the sand by [the shore]_{2087-the shore} , and see the armies of the mists sweep by over [his]_3564-his head , and hearken to the throb of the nightingale ’s voice through the darkness , and gather the coolness of the dews in the hollow of [his]_3564-his hand , and let the night go by in dreams of worlds beyond the stars;—such a life as this seemed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} beyond any other beautiful . A life in the air , on the tide , in the light , in the wind , in the sound of salt waves , in the smell of wild thyme , with no roof to come between [him]_3564-his and the sky , with no need to cramp body and mind in the cage of [a street]_{7228-a street} — a life spent in the dreaming of dreams , and full of vision and thought as the summer was full of its blossoms and fruits,—it seemed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} the life that must needs be best for [a man]_{4875-a man} , since the life that was freest , simplest , and highest . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} knew nothing of the lust of ambition , of the desire of fame , of the ceaseless unrest of the mind which craves [the world]_{268-the world} ’s honour , and is doomed to [the world]_{268-the world} ’s neglect ; of the continual fire which burns in the hands which stretch themselves in conscious strength to seize a sceptre , and remain empty , only struck in the palm by the buffets of [fools]_4955-fools . Of these [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew nothing . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had no conception of them — of the weakness and the force that twine one in another in such a temper as [his]_3564-his . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was at once above [them]_7233-them and beneath [them]_7233-them . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} could not comprehend that [he]_3564-his who could so bitterly disdain the flesh‐pots and the wine‐skins of [the common crowd]_{7234-the common crowd} , yet could stoop to care for [that crowd ’s Hosannas]_{7235-that crowd ’s hosannas} . But yet this definite longing which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} overheard in the words that escaped [him]_3564-his [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could not mistake ; it was a longing plain to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , one that moved [all the dullest and most brutal souls]_{7236-all the dullest and most brutal souls} around [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . All [her]_{104-folle‐farine} years through [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had seen the greed of gold , or the want of it , [the twin rulers of [the only little dominion that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew]_{7238-the only little dominion that she knew}]_{7237-the twin rulers of the only little dominion that she knew} . Money , in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} estimate of it , meant only some little sum of copper pieces , such as could buy a hank of flax , a load of sweet chestnuts , a stack of wood , a swarm of bees , a sack of autumn fruits . What in [cities]_996-cities would have been penury , was deemed illimitable riches in [the homesteads and cabins which had been [her]_{104-folle‐farine} only world]_{7240-the homesteads and cabins which had been her only world} . “_[3565-they] A little gold!—a little gold ! ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} pondered ceaselessly , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went on down the current . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} knew that [he]_3564-his only craved it , not to purchase any pleasure for [his]_3564-his appetites or for [his]_3564-his vanities , but only as the lever whereby [he]_3564-his would be enabled to lift off from [him]_3564-his that iron weight of adverse circumstances which held [him]_3564-his down darkness as the stones held the caged eagle . “_[3565-they] A little gold ! ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said to [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} again and again as [the boat]_{1942-the boat} drifted on to [the town]_{482-the town} , with the scent of the mulberries , and the herbs , and the basket of roses , which were its cargo for the market , fragrant on the air . “_[3565-they] A little gold ! ” It seemed so slight a thing , and the more cruel because so slight , to stand thus between [him]_3564-his and that noonday splendour of fame which [he]_3564-his sought to win , in [his]_3564-his obscurity and indigence , as the blinded eagle in [[his]_3564-his den]_{7243-his den} still turned [his]_3564-his aching eyes by instinct to the sun . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart was weary for [him]_3564-his as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went . “_[3565-they] What use for [the gods]_{1366-the gods} to have given [him]_3568-him back life , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought , “_{[1366-the gods]} if [they]_{1366-the gods} must give [him]_3568-him thus with it the incurable fever of an endless desire ? ” It was a gift as poisoned , a granted prayer as vain , as the immortality which [they]_7244-they had given to [Tithonus]_220-tithonus . “_[3565-they] A little money , ” [he]_3564-his had said : it seemed a thing almost within [her]_{104-folle‐farine} grasp . Had [she]_{104-folle‐farine} been willing to steal from [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could have taken it as soon as the worth of the load which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} carried should have been paid to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; but by a theft [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would not serve [Arslàn]_172-arslàn now . No gifts would [she]_{104-folle‐farine} give [him]_3564-his but what should be pure and worthy of [his]_3564-his touch . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} pondered and pondered , cleaving the waters with regular measures , and gliding under the old stone arches of [the bridge]_{4901-the bridge} into [the town]_{482-the town} . When [she]_{104-folle‐farine} brought [the boat]_{1942-the boat} back up [the stream]_{374-the stream} at noonday , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} face had cleared ; [her]_{104-folle‐farine} mouth smiled ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} rowed on swiftly , with a light sweet and glad in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes . A thought had come to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . In [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} that day [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had heard [two women]_{7250-two women} talk together , under the shade of [their]_{7250-two women} great red umbrellas , over [their]_{7250-two women} heaps of garden produce . “_[3565-they] So [thou]_3569-thou hast bought the brindled calf after all . [Thou]_3569-thou art in luck . ” “_[3569-thou] Aye , in luck indeed , for [the boy]_{4995-the boy} to rout up the old pear‐tree and find those queer coins beneath it . The tree had stood there all [[my]_0-her father]_{1319-my father} ’s and [grandfather]_{3572-grandfather} ’s time , and longer too , for aught [I]_0-her know , and now [one]_1305-one ever dreamed there was any treasure at the root ; but [he]_1305-one took a fancy to dig up the tree ; [he]_1305-one said it looked like a ghost , with its old grey arms , and [he]_1305-one wanted to plant a young cherry . ” “_[1305-one] There must have been a mass of coin ? “ No,—only a few little shabby , bent pieces . But [the lad]_{1197-the lad} took them up to [the Prince Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} , and [he]_{221-sartorian} is always crazed about the like ; and [he]_{221-sartorian} sent [us]_7252-us for [them]_{7250-two women} quite a roll of gold , and said that the coins found were , beyond a doubt , of the Julain time — whatever [he]_{221-sartorian} might mean by that . ”_[1305-one] “ [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} will buy any rubbish of that sort . For [my]_1305-one part , [I]_1305-one think if one buried a brass button only long enough , [he]_{221-sartorian} would give one a bank‐note for it . ”_[1305-one] “ [They]_7253-they say there are marble creatures of [his]_{221-sartorian} that cost more than would dower [a thousand brides]_{7254-a thousand brides} , or pension [a thousand soldiers]_{7255-a thousand soldiers} . [I]_1305-one do not know about that . [[My]_1305-one boy]_{7256-my boy} did not get far in [the palace]_{6627-the palace} ; but [he]_{7256-my boy} said that [the hall]_{6097-the hall} [he]_{7256-my boy} waited in was graven with gold and precious stones . One picture [he]_{7256-my boy} saw in it was placed on a golden altar , as if it were [a god]_{942-a god} . To worship old coins , and rags of canvas , and idols of stone like that,—how vile it is ! while [we]_7260-we are glad to get a nettle‐salad off the edge of [the road]_{4855-the road} . ”_[1305-one] “ But the coins gave [thee]_{104-folle‐farine} the brindled calf . ”_[1305-one] “ That was no goodness to [us]_7260-we . [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} has a craze for such follies . ”_[1305-one] [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} had listened , and , standing by [them]_3574-them , for once spoke . “ Who is [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} ? Will [you]_{472-the women} tell [me]_{472-the women} ? ”_{[472-the women]} [The women]_{472-the women} were from [a far‐distant village]_{3576-a far‐distant village} , and had not the infinite horror of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} felt by [those who lived in [the near neighbourhood of [the mill]_{281-the mill} at [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{3578-the near neighbourhood of the mill at yprès}]_{3577-those who lived in the near neighbourhood of the mill at yprès} . “ [He]_{221-sartorian} is [a great noble]_{7262-a great noble} , ”_[3574-them] [they]_3574-them answered [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , eyeing [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with suspicion . “ And where is [[his]_{221-sartorian} dwelling]_{534-his dwelling} ? ”_[3574-them] “ Near [Rioz]_77-rioz . What do the like of [you]_3574-them want with the like of [the Prince]_{7264-the prince} ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} gave [them]_3574-them thanks for [their]_3574-them answers , and turned away in silence with a glow at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart . “ What is [that wicked one]_{7265-that wicked one} thinking of now , that [she]_{7265-that wicked one} asks for such as [the Prince Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} ? ”_{[472-the women]} said [the women]_{472-the women} , crossing [themselves]_{472-the women} , repentant that [they]_{472-the women} had so far forgotten [themselves]_{472-the women} as to hold any syllable of converse with [[the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s daughter]_{1243-the devil ’s daughter} . [An old man plucking birds near at hand]_{3583-an old man plucking birds near at hand} chuckled low in [his]_{3583-an old man plucking birds near at hand} throat : — “ Maybe [she]_{7265-that wicked one} knows that [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} will give yet more gold for new faces than for old coins ; and — how handsome [she]_{7265-that wicked one} is , [the black‐browed witch]_{7266-the black‐browed witch} ! ”_{[3583-an old man plucking birds near at hand]} [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had passed away through the crowds of [the market]_{948-the market} , and did not hear . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} go to [Rioz]_77-rioz [myself]_{104-folle‐farine} in two days ’ time with the mules , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought ; and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart rose , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} glance lightened , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} moved through [the people]_{4948-the people} with a step so elastic , and a face so radiant from the flush of a new hope , that [they]_{4948-the people} fell away from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with an emotion which for once was not wholly hatred . That night , when [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} was quiet , and the moonbeams fell through all [its]_{1167-the mill‐house} small dim windows and chequered all [its]_{1167-the mill‐house} wooden floors , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} rose from [the loft]_{1420-the loft} where [she]_{104-folle‐farine} slept , and stole noiselessly down the steep stairway to [the chamber where [the servant Pitchou]_{3589-the servant pitchou} slept]_{3588-the chamber where the servant pitchou slept} . [It]_{3588-the chamber where the servant pitchou slept} was [a little dark chamber]_{3590-a little dark chamber} , with jutting beams and a casement that was never unclosed . On a nail hung the blue woolen skirt and the linen cap of [the woman]_{633-the woman} ’s working dress . In a corner was a little image of [a saint]_{4870-a saint} and a string of leaden beads . On a flock pallet [the old wrinkled creature]_{3593-the old wrinkled creature} slept , tired out with the labour of a long day amongst the cabbage‐beds and rows of lettuces , muttering as [she]_{3593-the old wrinkled creature} slept of the little daily peculations that were the sweet sins of [her]_{3593-the old wrinkled creature} life and of [[her]_{3593-the old wrinkled creature} master]_{640-her master} ’s . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} cared for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} soul — cared very much , and tried to save it ; but cheating was dear to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and cruelty was natural : [she]_{104-folle‐farine} tricked [the fatherless child]_{3595-the fatherless child} in [his]_{3595-the fatherless child} measure of milk for the tenth of a sou , and wrung the throat of the bullfinch as it sang , lest [he]_{3595-the fatherless child} should peck the tenth of a cherry . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} went close to the straw bed and laid [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hand on the sleeper . “ Wake ! [I]_{104-folle‐farine} want a word with [you]_223-pichou . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [Pichou]_223-pichou started , struggled , glared with wide‐open blinded eyes , and gasped in horrible fear . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} put the other hand on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} mouth . “ Listen ! The night [I]_{104-folle‐farine} was brought [here]_1434-here [you]_223-pichou stole the sequins off [my]_{104-folle‐farine} head . Give them back to [me]_{104-folle‐farine} now , or [I]_{104-folle‐farine} will kill [you]_223-pichou where [you]_223-pichou lie . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} The grip of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} left hand on [the woman]_{633-the woman} ’s throat , and the gleam of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} knife in the right , were enough , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had counted they would be . [Old Pitchou]_147-pitchou struggled , lied , stammered , writhed , strove to scream , and swore [her]_147-pitchou innocence of this theft which had waited eleven years to rise against [her]_147-pitchou to [Mary]_119-mary and [[her]_119-mary angels]_{3597-her angels} ; but in the end [she]_147-pitchou surrendered , and tottered on [her]_147-pitchou shuddering limbs , and crept beneath [her]_147-pitchou bed , and with terror and misery brought forth from [her]_147-pitchou secret hole in the rafters of the floor the little chain of shaking sequins . It had been of no use to [her]_147-pitchou : [she]_147-pitchou had always thought it of inestimable value , and could never bring [herself]_147-pitchou to part from it , visiting it night and day , and being perpetually tormented with the dread lest [[her]_147-pitchou master]_{640-her master} should discover and claim it . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} seized it from [her]_147-pitchou silently , and laughed — a quiet cold laugh — at the threats and imprecations of [the woman who had robbed [her]_147-pitchou in [her]_147-pitchou infancy]_{3599-the woman who had robbed her in her infancy} . “ How can [you]_{640-her master} complain of [me]_{104-folle‐farine} , without telling also of [your]_{640-her master} own old sin ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said , with contempt , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} quitted [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} . “ Shriek away as [you]_{640-her master} choose : the chain is [mine]_{104-folle‐farine} , not [yours]_{640-her master} . [I]_{104-folle‐farine} was weak when [you]_{640-her master} stole it ; [I]_{104-folle‐farine} am strong enough now . [You]_{640-her master} had best not meddle , or [you]_{640-her master} will have the worst of the reckoning . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} And [she]_{104-folle‐farine} shut the door on [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} ’s screams and left [her]_{334-the old woman} , knowing well that [Pitchou]_147-pitchou would not dare to summon [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} master]_{640-her master} . It was just daybreak . All [the world]_{268-the world} was still dark . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} slipped the sequins in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} bosom , and went back to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own bed of hay in [the loft]_{1420-the loft} . There was no sound in the darkness but the faint piping of song birds that felt the coming of day long ere [the grosser senses of humanity]_{3605-the grosser senses of humanity} could have seen a glimmer of light on the black edge of the eastern clouds . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} sat on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} couch with the sequins in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hand , and gazed upon them . They were very precious to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had never forgotten or ceased to desire them , though to possess [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} of them by force had never occurred to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} until that night . [Their]_3606-their theft had been a wrong which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had never pardoned , yet [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had never avenged it until now . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} held them in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hand for the first time in eleven years , a strong emotion came over [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . The time when [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had worn them came out suddenly in sharp relief from the haze of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} imperfect memories . All the old forest‐life for a moment revived for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . The mists of [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains} , the smell of the chestnut‐woods , the curl of the white smoke amongst the leaves , the sweet wild strains of the music , the mad grace of the old Moorish dances , the tramp through the hill passes , the leap and splash of the tumbling waters,—all arose to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} for one moment from the oblivion in which years of toil and exile had buried them . The tears started to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} kissed the little glittering coins , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought of [Phratos]_121-phratos . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had never known [his]_121-phratos fate . [The gipsy who had been found dead in [the fields]_{316-the fields}]_{3608-the gipsy who had been found dead in the fields} had been forgotten by [the people]_{4948-the people} before the same snows which had covered [his]_121-phratos body had melted at the first glimmer of the wintry sun . [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} could have told [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; but [he]_121-phratos had never spoken one word in all [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , except in curt reprimand or in cruel irony . All the old memories had died out ; and [no wanderers of [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} father]_{389-her father} ’s race]_{3611-no wanderers of her father ’s race} had ever come into [the peaceful and pastoral district of [the northern seaboard]_{3614-the northern seaboard} , where [they]_{4948-the people} could have gained no footing , and could have made no plunder]_{3613-the peaceful and pastoral district of the northern seaboard , where they could have gained no footing , and could have made no plunder} . The sight of the little band of coins , which had danced so often amongst [her]_{104-folle‐farine} curls under the moonlit leaves in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} to the leaping and tuneful measures of the viol , moved [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to a wistful longing for the smile and the voice of [Phratos]_121-phratos . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} would never part with [them]_{4948-the people} for [myself]_{104-folle‐farine} , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought ; “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} would die of hunger first — were it only [myself]_{104-folle‐farine} . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} And still [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was resolved to part with [them]_{4948-the people} ; to sell [her]_{104-folle‐farine} single little treasure — the sole gift of the only creature that had ever loved [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , even in the very first hour that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had recovered it . The sequins were worth no more than [any baby]_{3615-any baby} ’s woven crown of faded daisies ; but to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , as to [the old peasant]_{638-the old peasant} , they seemed , by their golden glitter , a source of wealth incalculable . At twilight that day , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stood by [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} spoke to [him]_172-arslàn , timidly . “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} go to [Rioz]_77-rioz with the two mules , at daybreak to‐morrow , with flour for [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} . It is [a town]_{6215-a town} , larger than [the one yonder]_{7269-the one yonder} . Is there anything [I]_{104-folle‐farine} might do there — for [you]_172-arslàn ? ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} “ Do ? What should [you]_{104-folle‐farine} do ? ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn answered [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , with inattention and almost impatience ; for [his]_172-arslàn heart was sore with the terrible weariness of inaction . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} looked at [him]_172-arslàn very wistfully , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} mouth parted a little as though to speak ; but [his]_172-arslàn repulse chilled the words that rose to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} lips . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} dared not say [her]_{104-folle‐farine} thoughts to [him]_172-arslàn , lest [she]_{104-folle‐farine} should displease [him]_172-arslàn . “ If it come to nought [he]_172-arslàn had best not know , perhaps , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said to [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} . So [she]_{104-folle‐farine} kept silence . ON the morrow , before the sun was up , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} set out on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way , with [the two mules]_{3617-the two mules} , to [Rioz]_77-rioz . [It]_3618-it was [a town distant some three leagues , lying to the southward]_{3619-a town distant some three leagues , lying to the southward} . Both the mules were heavily laden with as many sacks as [they]_{3617-the two mules} could carry : [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could ride on neither ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} walked between [them]_{3617-the two mules} with a bridle held in either hand . [The road]_{4855-the road} was not a familiar one to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had only gone thither some twice or thrice , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did not find the way long , being full of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own meditations and hopes , and taking pleasure in the gleam of new waters , and the sight of fresh fields , and the green simple loveliness of [a pastoral country]_{3621-a pastoral country} in late summer . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} met [few people]_{3622-few people} ; [a market‐woman or two]_{3623-a market‐woman or two} on [their]_{3623-a market‐woman or two} asses , [a walking pedlar]_{3624-a walking pedlar} , [a shepherd]_{5000-a shepherd} , or [a swineherd]_{3626-a swineherd} — these were all . The day was young , and none but [the country‐people]_{3627-the country‐people} were astir . [The quiet roads]_{3628-the quiet roads} were dim with mists ; and the tinkle of a sheep ’s bell was the only sound in the silence . But as the morning advanced the mists lifted , the sun grew powerful ; [the roads]_{5883-the roads} were straight and without shadow ; [the mules]_{3130-the mules} stumbled , footsore ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} grew tired and fevered . It was midday when [she]_{104-folle‐farine} entered [Rioz]_77-rioz ; [a town]_{6215-a town} standing in [a dell]_{3632-a dell} , surrounded with [apple orchards]_{5047-apple orchards} and [fields of corn and colza]_{3634-fields of corn and colza} , with [a quaint old square tower of the thirteenth century]_{3635-a quaint old square tower of the thirteenth century} rising amongst [its]_{3635-a quaint old square tower of the thirteenth century} roofs , and round about [it]_{3635-a quaint old square tower of the thirteenth century} old moss‐green ramparts whereon the bramble and the gorse grew wild . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} led [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} fatigued and thirsty beasts]_{3636-her fatigued and thirsty beasts} through the nearest gateway , where [a soldier]_{2240-a soldier} sat smoking , and [a girl in a blue petticoat and a scarlet bodice]_{3638-a girl in a blue petticoat and a scarlet bodice} talked to [him]_{2240-a soldier} , resting [her]_{3638-a girl in a blue petticoat and a scarlet bodice} hands on [her]_{3638-a girl in a blue petticoat and a scarlet bodice} hips , and [her]_{3638-a girl in a blue petticoat and a scarlet bodice} brass pails on the ground . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} left the sacks of flour at [their]_{3636-her fatigued and thirsty beasts} destination , which was [a great bakehouse in [the centre of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{3640-the centre of the town}]_{3639-a great bakehouse in the centre of the town} ; stalled the mules [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} in [a shed adjoining the little crazy wine‐shop where [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} had bidden [her]_{117-reine flamma} bait [them]_{3636-her fatigued and thirsty beasts}]_{3642-a shed adjoining the little crazy wine‐shop where flamma had bidden her bait them} , and with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} own hands unharnessed , watered , and foddered them . [The wine‐shop]_{3643-the wine‐shop} had for sign a white pigeon ; it was tumble‐down , dusky , half‐covered with vines that grew loose and entwined each other at their own fancy ; [it]_{3643-the wine‐shop} had [a little court in which grew a great walnut‐tree]_{3644-a little court in which grew a great walnut‐tree} ; there was a bench under the tree ; and the shelter of [its]_{3643-the wine‐shop} boughs was cool and very welcome in the full noon heat . [The old woman who kept the place , wrinkled , shrivelled , and cheery]_{3645-the old woman who kept the place , wrinkled , shrivelled , and cheery} , bade [her]_{3645-the old woman who kept the place , wrinkled , shrivelled , and cheery} rest there , and [she]_{3645-the old woman who kept the place , wrinkled , shrivelled , and cheery} would bring [her]_{3645-the old woman who kept the place , wrinkled , shrivelled , and cheery} food and drink . But [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , with one wistful glance at the shadowing branches , refused , and asked only the way to [the house of [Prince Sartorian]_{221-sartorian}]_{3646-the house of prince sartorian} . [The woman of [the tavern]_{5902-the tavern}]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} looked at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} sharply , and said , as [the market‐woman]_{3649-the market‐woman} had said , “ What does the like of [you]_{104-folle‐farine} want with [the Prince]_{7264-the prince} ? ”_{[3649-the market‐woman]} “ [I]_{104-folle‐farine} want to know the way to [it]_{3646-the house of prince sartorian} . If [you]_{334-the old woman} do not tell it , another will , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} answered , as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} moved out of [the little court‐yard]_{3650-the little court‐yard} . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} called after [her]_{104-folle‐farine} that it was out by the west gate , over [the hill]_{1523-the hill} through [the fields]_{316-the fields} for more than two leagues : if [she]_{104-folle‐farine} followed the wind of [the water]_{265-the water} westward , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could not go amiss . “ What is this baggage wanting to do with [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} muttered , watching the form of [the girl]_{5116-the girl} as it passed up [the steep sunshiny street]_{3656-the steep sunshiny street} . “ Some evil , no doubt , ”_{[3657-her assistant]} answered [[her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} assistant]_{3657-her assistant} , [a stalwart wench , who was skinning a rabbit in [the yard]_{3659-the yard}]_{3658-a stalwart wench , who was skinning a rabbit in the yard} . “ [You]_7271-you know , [she]_{3660-her old mistress} sells bags of wind to founder [the ships]_{7272-the ships} , [they]_{7272-the ships} say , and the wicked herb , bon plaisir , and the philtres that drive [men]_364-men mad . [She]_{3660-her old mistress} is as bad as [a cagote]_{7274-a cagote} . ”_{[3660-her old mistress]} [[Her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} old mistress]_{3660-her old mistress} , going within to toss a fritter for one of [the mendicant friars]_{3661-the mendicant friars} , chuckled grimly to [herself]_{3660-her old mistress} . “ [No one]_{264-no one} would ask [the road there]_{7276-the road there} for any good ; that is sure . No doubt [she]_{3660-her old mistress} has heard that [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} is a choice judge of colour and shape in all the Arts ! ”_{[3660-her old mistress]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} when out by the gate , and along [the water westward]_{3662-the water westward} . In a little satchel [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} carried some half‐score of oil‐sketches that [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had given [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} , rich , graceful , shadowy things — [girl]_3663-girl ’s faces , coils of foilage , river rushes in the moonlight , a purple passion‐flower blooming on a grey ruin ; [a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed]_{3664-a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed} , wading in brown waters;—things that had caught [his]_{3664-a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed} sight and fancy , and had been transcribed , and then tossed aside , with the lavish carelessness of genius . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} asked [one or two peasants]_{3665-one or two peasants} , whom [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} met , [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} way ; [they]_{3665-one or two peasants} stared , and grumbled , and pointed to some distant towers rising out of the wooden slopes,—those [they]_{3665-one or two peasants} said were [the towers of [the dwelling of Sartorian]_{3667-the dwelling of sartorian}]_{3666-the towers of the dwelling of sartorian} . One hen‐huckster , leading [his]_{3664-a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed} ass to market with a load of live poultry , looked over [his]_{3664-a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed} shoulder after [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} , and muttered with a grin to [[his]_{3664-a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed} wife]_{501-his wife} : “ There goes a handsome piece of porcelain for [the old man]_{335-the old man} to lock in [his]_{3664-a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed} velvet‐lined cupboards . ”_{[3664-a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed]} And [the wife]_{3669-the wife} laughed in answer : “ Ay ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} will look well , gilded as [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} always gilds what [he]_{3664-a child , golden‐headed and bare‐limbed} buys . ”_{[3669-the wife]} The words came to the ear of [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} : when wondered what they could mean ; but [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} would not turn back to ask . [Her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} feet were weary , like [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} mules ’ ; the sun scorched [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} felt feeble , and longed to lie down and sleep ; but [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} toiled on up the sharp ascent that rose in cliffs of limestone above [the valley where [the river]_{356-the river} ran]_{3670-the valley where the river ran} . At last [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} came to gates that were like those of [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} , all brazen , blazoned , and full of scrolls and shields . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} pushed one open — there was [no one there]_{3673-no one there} to say [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} nay , and boldly entered [the domain which [they]_3675-they guarded]_{3674-the domain which they guarded} . At first it seemed to be only like [the woods]_{344-the woods} at [home]_497-home ; the trees were green , the grass was long , the birds sang , the rabbits darted . But by‐and‐by [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} went farther ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} grew bewildered ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} was in a world strange to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} . Trees [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} had never seen rose like the pillars of [temples]_3678-temples ; gorgeous flowers , [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} had never dreamed of , played in the sun ; vast columns of water sprang aloft from the mouths of golden dragons or the silver breasts of dolphins ; [nude women , wondrous and white and still]_{3679-nude women , wondrous and white and still} , stood here and there amidst the leafy darkness . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} paused amongst it all , dazzled , and thinking that [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} dreamed . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} had never seen [any gardens]_{3680-any gardens} , save [the gardens of [the poor]_{5743-the poor}]_{3681-the gardens of the poor} . A magnolia‐tree was above [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} stooped [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} face to one of its great fragrant creamy cups and kissed it softly . A statue of [Clytie]_224-clytie was beside [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} looked timidly up at the musing face , and touched it , wondering why it was so very cold , and would not move or smile . A fountain flung up its spray beside [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} leaned and caught it , thinking it so much silver , and gazed at it in sorrowful wonder as it changed to water in [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} grasp . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} walked on like one enchanted , silently , thinking that [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} had strayed into [some sorcerer]_{3683-some sorcerer} ’s kingdom : [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} was not afraid , but glad . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} walked on for a long while , always amongst these mazes of leaves , these splendours of blossom , these cloud‐reaching waters , these marble forms so motionless and thoughtful . At last [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} came on the edge of [a great pool]_{3684-a great pool} , fringed with the bullrush and the lotus , and the white pampas‐grass , and the flame‐like flowering reed , of [the East]_{5641-the east} and of [the West]_{78-the west} . All around , [the pool]_{3686-the pool} was sheltered with dark woods of cedar and thickets of [the sea‐pine]_{3687-the sea‐pine} . Beyond [them]_3688-them stood afar off a great pile that seemed to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} to blaze like gold and silver in the sun . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} approached [it]_3689-it through [a maze of roses]_{3690-a maze of roses} , and ascended a flight of marble steps on to [a terrace]_{3691-a terrace} . A doorway was open near . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} entered [it]_3689-it . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} was intent on the object of [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} errand , and [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} had no touch of fear in [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} whole temper . [Hall]_3692-hall after [hall]_3692-hall , room after room , opened to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} amazed vision ; an endless spectacle of marvellous colour stretched before [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} eyes : the wonders that are gathered together by [the world]_{268-the world} ’s luxury were for the first time in [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} sight ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} saw for the first time in [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} life how [the rich]_{1875-the rich} lived . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} moved forward , curious , astonished , bewildered , but nothing daunted . On the velvet of the floors [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} steps trod as firmly and as freely as on the moss of the orchard at [Yprès]_11-yprès . [Her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} eyes glanced as gravely and as fearlessly over the frescoed walls , the gilded woods , the jewelled cups , the broidered hangings , as over the misty pastures where the sheep were folded . It was not in [the daughter of [Taric]_124-taric]_{1799-the daughter of taric} to be daunted by the dazzle of mere wealth . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} walked through [the splendid and lonely rooms]_{3697-the splendid and lonely rooms} wondering , indeed , and eager to see more ; but there was no spell here such as [the gardens]_{3698-the gardens} had flung over [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} . To the creature free born in [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} no life beneath a roof could seem beautiful . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} met [no one]_{264-no one} . At the end of [the fourth chamber]_{3700-the fourth chamber} , which [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} traversed , [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} paused before a great picture in a heavy golden frame ; it was the seizure of [Persephone]_{108-persephone} . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} knew the story , for [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had told [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} of it . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} saw for the first time how the pictures that [men called great]_{3701-men called great} were installed in princely splendour : this was the fate which [he]_{3701-men called great} wanted for [his]_{3701-men called great} own . A little lamp , burning perfume with a silvery smoke , stood before it : [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} recalled the words of [the woman]_{633-the woman} in [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} ; in [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} ignorance , [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} thought the picture was worshipped as [a divinity]_{3704-a divinity} ; as [the people]_{4948-the people} worshipped the great picture of [the Virgin]_{3706-the virgin} that [they]_{4948-the people} burned incense before in [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} looked , with something of gloomy contempt in [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} eyes , at the painting which was mantled in massive gold , with purple draperies opening to display it ; for it was the chief masterpiece upon those walls . “ And [he]_{3701-men called great} cares for that ! ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} thought , with a sigh half of wonder , half of sorrow . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} did not reason on it , but it seemed to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} that [his]_{3701-men called great} works were greater hanging on [their]_3708-their bare walls where the spiders wove . “ Who is ‘ [he]_{3701-men called great} ’ ? ”_{[3709-a small and feeble man , with keen and humorous eyes]} a voice asked behind [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} turned and saw [a small and feeble man , with keen and humorous eyes]_{3709-a small and feeble man , with keen and humorous eyes} , and an elfin face , delicate in its form , malicious in its meaning . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} stood silent , regarding [him]_{3701-men called great} ; [herself]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} a strange figure in that lordly place , with [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} brown limbs , [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} bare head and feet , [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} linen tunic , [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} red knotted girdle . “ Who are [you]_{3701-men called great} ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} asked [him]_{3701-men called great} curtly , in counter‐question . [The little old man]_{3710-the little old man} laughed . “ [I]_{3710-the little old man} have the honour to be [[your]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} host]_{7278-your host} . ”_{[3710-the little old man]} A disappointed astonishment clouded [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} face . “ [You]_{3701-men called great} ! are [you]_{3701-men called great} [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} muttered—“the Sartorian whom [they]_7279-they call [a prince]_{569-a prince} ? ”_{[3710-the little old man]} “ Even [I]_{3701-men called great} , ”_{[3701-men called great]} [he]_{3701-men called great} said with a smile . “ [I]_{3701-men called great} regret that [I]_{3701-men called great} please [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} no more . May [I]_{3701-men called great} ask to what [I]_{3701-men called great} am indebted for [your]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} presence ? [You]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} seem [a fastidious critic]_{7281-a fastidious critic} . ”_{[3701-men called great]} [He]_{3701-men called great} spoke with good‐humoured irony , taking snuff whilst [he]_{3701-men called great} looked at the lustrous beauty of [this barefooted gypsy , as [he]_{3701-men called great} thought [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} , whom [he]_{3701-men called great} had found thus astray in [[his]_{3701-men called great} magnificent chambers]_{3712-his magnificent chambers}]_{3711-this barefooted gypsy , as he thought her , whom he had found thus astray in his magnificent chambers} . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} amused [him]_{3701-men called great} ; finding [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} silent , [he]_{3701-men called great} sought to make [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} speak . “ How did [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} come in hither ? [You]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} care for pictures , perhaps , since [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} seem to feed on them like some wood‐pigeon on a sheaf of corn ? ”_{[3701-men called great]} “ [I]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} know of finer than [yours]_{3701-men called great} , ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} answered [him]_{3701-men called great} coldly , chilled by the amused and malicious ridicule of [his]_{3701-men called great} tone into a sullen repose . “ [I]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} did not come to see anything [you]_{3701-men called great} have . [I]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} came to sell [you]_{3701-men called great} these : [they]_7282-they say in Yprès that [you]_{3701-men called great} care for such bits of coin . ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} drew out of [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} bosom [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} string of sequins , and tendered them to [him]_{3701-men called great} . [He]_{3701-men called great} took them , seeing at once that they were of no sort of value ; such things as [he]_{3701-men called great} could buy for a few coins in [any bazaar of [Africa]_76-africa]_{3713-any bazaar of africa} or [Asia]_55-asia . But [he]_{3701-men called great} did not say so . [He]_{3701-men called great} looked at [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} keenly , as [he]_{3701-men called great} asked : “ Whose were these ? ”_{[3701-men called great]} [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} looked in return at [him]_{3701-men called great} with haughty defiance . “ [They]_7282-they are [mine]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} . If [you]_{3701-men called great} want such things , as [they]_7282-they say [you]_{3701-men called great} do , take them and give [me]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} their value — that is all . ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} “ Do [you]_{3701-men called great} come [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} to sell [them]_7282-they ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} “ Yes . [I]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} came three leagues to‐day . [I]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} heard [a woman from near [Rioz]_77-rioz]_{7283-a woman from near rioz} say that [you]_{3701-men called great} liked such things . Take them , or leave them . ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} “ Who gave them to [you]_{3701-men called great} ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} “ [Phratos]_121-phratos . ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [Her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} voice lingered sadly over the word . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} still loved the memory of [Phratos]_121-phratos . “ And who may [Phratos]_121-phratos be ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [Her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} eyes flashed at the cross‐questioning . “ That is none of [your]_{335-the old man} business . If [you]_{335-the old man} think that [I]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} stole them , say so . If [you]_{335-the old man} want them , buy them . One or the other . ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [The old man]_{335-the old man} watched [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} amusedly . “ [You]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} can be very fierce , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} said to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} . “ Be gentle a little , and tell [me]_{335-the old man} whence [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} came , and what story [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} have . ”_{[335-the old man]} But [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} would not . “ [I]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} have not come here to speak of [myself]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} , ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} said obstinately . “ Will [you]_{335-the old man} take the coins , or leave them ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} “ [I]_{335-the old man} will take them , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} said ; and [he]_{335-the old man} went to a cabinet in [another room]_{3715-another room} and brought out with [him]_{335-the old man} several shining gold pieces . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} fastened [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} eager eyes on them thirstily . “ Here is payment , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} said to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} , holding them to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} . [Her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} eyes fastened on the money entranced ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} touched it with a light , half‐fearful touch , and then drew back and gazed at it amazed . “ All that — all that ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} muttered . “ Is it [their]_3716-their worth ? Are [you]_{335-the old man} sure ? ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} “ Quite sure , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} said with a smile . [He]_{335-the old man} offered [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} in them some thirty times [their]_3716-their value . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} paused a moment , incredulous of [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} own good fortune , then darted on them as a swallow at a gnat , and took them and put them to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} lips , and laughed a sweet glad laugh of triumph , and slid them in [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} bosom . “ [I]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} am grateful , ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} said simply ; but the radiance in [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} eyes , the laughter on [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} mouth , the quivering excitement in all [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} face and form , said the same thing for [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} far better than [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} words . [The old man]_{335-the old man} watched [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} narrowly . “ They are not for [yourself]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} ? ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} asked . “ That is [my]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} affair , ”_{[3647-the woman of the tavern]} [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} answered [him]_{335-the old man} , all [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} pride rising in arms . “ What concerned [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} was their value . ”_{[335-the old man]} [He]_{335-the old man} smiled and bent [his]_{335-the old man} head . Fairly rebuked . But say is this all [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} came for ? Wherever [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} came from , is this all that brought [you]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} [here]_1434-here ? ” [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} looked awhile in [his]_{335-the old man} eyes steadily , then [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} brought the sketches from their hiding‐place . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} placed them before [him]_{335-the old man} . “_{[335-the old man]} Look at those . ” [He]_{335-the old man} took them to the light and scanned them slowly and critically ; [he]_{335-the old man} knew all the mysteries and intricacies of art , and [he]_{335-the old man} recognised in these slight things the hand and the colour of [a master]_{7284-a master} . [He]_{335-the old man} did not say so , but held them for some time in silence . “_{[335-the old man]} These also are for sale ? ” [he]_{335-the old man} asked , at length . [She]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} had drawn near [him]_{335-the old man} , [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} face flushed with intense expectation , [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} longing eyes dilated , [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} scarlet lips quivering with eagerness . That [he]_{335-the old man} was [a stranger]_{5005-a stranger} and [a noble]_{7286-a noble} was nothing to [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} : [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} knew [he]_{335-the old man} had wealth ; [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} saw [he]_{335-the old man} had perception . “_{[335-the old man]} See here ! ” [she]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} said , swiftly , the music of [her]_{3647-the woman of the tavern} voice rising and falling in breathless , eloquent intonation . “_{[335-the old man]} Those things are to the great works of [his]_3719-he hand as a broken leaf beside [[your]_3720-your gardens yonder]_{3721-your gardens yonder} . [He]_3719-he touches a thing and it is beauty . [He]_3719-he takes a reed , a stone , a breadth of sand , [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s face , and under [his]_3719-he hand it grows glorious and gracious . [He]_3719-he dreams things that are strange and sublime ; [he]_3719-he has talked with [the gods]_{1366-the gods} , and [he]_3719-he had seen the worlds beyond the sun . All the day [he]_3719-he works for [his]_3719-he bread , and in the grey night [he]_3719-he wanders where none can follow [him]_3719-he ; and [he]_3719-he brings back marvels and mysteries , and beautiful , terrible stories that are like the sound of [the sea]_{405-the sea} . Yet [he]_3719-he is poor , and [no man]_{392-no man} sees the things of [his]_3719-he hand ; and [he]_3719-he is sick of [his]_3719-he life , because the days go by and bring no message to [him]_3719-he , and [men]_364-men will have nothing of [him]_3719-he ; and [he]_3719-he has hunger of body and hunger of mind . For [me]_0-her , if [I]_0-her could do what [he]_3719-he does , [I]_0-her would not care though [no man]_{392-no man} ever looked on it . But to [him]_3719-he it is bitter that it is only seen by the newt , and the beetle , and the night‐hawk . It wears [his]_3719-he soul away , because [he]_3719-he is denied of [men]_364-men . ‘ If [I]_0-her had gold , if [I]_0-her had gold ! ’ [he]_3719-he says , always , when [he]_3719-he thinks that [none]_498-none can hear [him]_3719-he . ” [Her]_0-her voice trembled , and was still for a second ; [she]_0-her struggled with [herself]_0-her and kept it clear and strong . [The old man]_{335-the old man} never interrupted [her]_0-her . “_[3719-he] [He]_3719-he must not know : [he]_3719-he would kill [himself]_3719-he if [he]_3719-he knew ; [he]_3719-he would sooner die than tell [any man]_{4852-any man} . But , look [you]_3731-you , [you]_3731-you drape [your]_3731-you pictures here with gold and with purple , [you]_3731-you place them high in the light ; [you]_3731-you make idols of them , and burn incense before [them]_3732-them . That is what [he]_3719-he wants for [his]_3719-he : they are the life of [his]_3719-he life . If [they]_3732-them could be honoured , [he]_3719-he would not care , though [you]_3731-you should slay [him]_3719-he to‐morrow . Go to [him]_3719-he , and make [you]_3731-you idols of [his]_3719-he ; they are worthier gods than [ours]_3733-ours . And what [his]_3719-he heart is sick for is to have [them]_3732-them seen by [men]_364-men . Were [I]_0-her [he]_3719-he , [I]_0-her would not care ; but [he]_3719-he cares , so that [he]_3719-he perishes . ” [She]_0-her shivered as [she]_0-her spoke ; in [her]_0-her earnestness and eagerness , [she]_0-her laid [her]_0-her hand on the stranger arm , and held it there ; [she]_0-her prayed , with more passion than [she]_0-her would have cast into any prayer to save [her]_0-her own life . “_[3719-he] Where is [he]_3719-he ; and what do [you]_0-her call [him]_3719-he ? ” [the old man]_{335-the old man} asked [her]_0-her quietly . [He]_{335-the old man} understood the meaning that ran beneath the unconscious extravagance of [her]_0-her faithful and impassioned language . [He]_3719-he is called [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ; [he]_3719-he lives in [the granary‐tower]_{7289-the granary‐tower} , by [the river]_{356-the river} , between [the town]_{482-the town} and [Yprès]_11-yprès . [He]_3719-he comes from [the north]_{5084-the north} , far away — very , very far , where the seas are all ice and the sun shines at midnight . Will [you]_0-her make the things that [he]_3719-he does to be known to [the people]_{4948-the people} ? [You]_0-her have gold ; and gold , [he]_3719-he says , is [the compeller of [men]_364-men]_{7294-the compeller of men} . ”_[0-her] “ Arslàn ? ”_[3735-he] [he]_3735-he echoed . The name was not utterly unknown to [him]_3735-he ; [he]_3735-he had seen works signed with it at [Paris]_10-paris and at [Rome]_23-rome — strange things of a singular power , of an union of cynicism and idealism , which was too sensual for [one half the world]_{3736-one half the world} , and too pure for the other half . “ [Arslàn?—I]_{225-arslàn?—i} think [I]_3738-i remember . [I]_3738-i will see what [I]_3738-i can do . ”_[3738-i] “ [You]_3738-i will say nothing to [him]_3719-he of [me]_3738-i ? ”_[3738-i] “ [I]_3738-i could not say much . Who are [you]_3737-you ? Whence do [you]_3737-you come ? ”_[3738-i] “ [I]_3738-i live at [the water‐mill of [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{7296-the water‐mill of yprès} . [They]_3738-i say that [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} was [[my]_3738-i mother]_{1264-my mother} . [I]_3738-i do not know : it does not matter . “_[3738-i] What is [your]_3737-you name ? ” “_{[104-folle‐farine]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [They]_3738-i called [me]_0-her after the mill‐dust . ” “_[3738-i] [A strange namesake]_{3739-a strange namesake} . ” “_[3738-i] What does it matter ? Any name is only a little puff of breath — less than the dust , anyhow . ” “_[3738-i] Is it ? [I]_0-her see , [you]_3737-you are [a Communist]_{3740-a communist} . ” “_{[3740-a communist]} What ? ” “_{[3740-a communist]} [A Communist]_{3740-a communist} — [a Socialist]_{3742-a socialist} . [You]_3737-you know what that is . [You]_3737-you would like to level [[my]_0-her house]_{3743-my house} to the ashes , [I]_0-her fancy , by the look on [your]_3737-you face . “ No , ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her said simply , with a taint of scorn , “ [I]_0-her do not care to do that . If [I]_0-her had cared to burn anything it would have been [[the Flandrin]_153-flandrin ’s village]_{7298-the flandrin ’s village} . It is odd that [you]_3737-you should live in [a palace]_{7299-a palace} and [he]_{335-the old man} should want for bread ; but then [he]_{335-the old man} can create things , and [you]_3737-you can only buy them . So it is even , perhaps . ”_[0-her] [The old man]_{335-the old man} smiled , amused . “ [You]_3737-you are [no respecter of [persons]_7301-persons]_{7300-no respecter of persons} , that is certain . Come in [another chamber]_{7302-another chamber} and take some wine , and break [your]_3737-you fast . There will be many things here that [you]_3737-you never saw or tasted . ”_{[335-the old man]} [She]_0-her shook [her]_0-her head . “ The thought is good of [you]_{335-the old man} , ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her said , more gently than [she]_0-her had before spoken . “ But [I]_0-her never took a crust out of charity , and [I]_0-her will not begin . ”_[0-her] “ Charity ? Do [you]_{335-the old man} call an invitation a charity ? ”_[0-her] “ When [the rich]_{1875-the rich} ask [the poor]_{5743-the poor} — yes . ”_[0-her] [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} looked in [her]_0-her eyes with a smile . “ But when [a man , old and ugly]_{7305-a man , old and ugly} , asks [a woman that is young and beautiful , on which side lies the charity]_{7306-a woman that is young and beautiful , on which side lies the charity} then ? ”_[0-her] “ [I]_0-her do not favour fine phrases , ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her answered curtly , returning [his]_{221-sartorian} look with a steady indifference . “ [You]_0-her are hard to please in anything , it would seem . Well , come hither , a moment at least . ”_[0-her] [She]_0-her hesitated a moment ; then thinking to [herself]_0-her that to refuse would seem like fear , [she]_0-her followed [him]_{221-sartorian} through [several chambers]_{3745-several chambers} into one where [his]_{221-sartorian} own mid‐day breakfast was set forth . [She]_0-her moved through all the magnificence of [the place]_{342-the place} with fearless steps , and meditative glances , and a grave measured easy grace , as tranquil and as unimpressed as though [she]_0-her walked through the tall ranks of the seeding grasses on [a meadow slope]_{3747-a meadow slope} . It was all full of the colour , the brilliancy , the choice adornment , the unnumbered treasures , and the familiar luxuries of [[a great noble]_{7262-a great noble} ’s residence]_{3749-a great noble ’s residence} ; but such things as these had no awe for [her]_0-her . The mere splendours of wealth , the mere accumulation of luxury , could not impress [her]_0-her for an instant ; [she]_0-her passed through [them]_3750-them indifferent and undaunted , thinking to [[her‐]_0-her self]_{3751-her‐ self} , “ However [they]_3750-them may gild [[their]_3750-them roofs]_{3194-their roofs} , the roofs shut out the sky no less . ”_[0-her] Only , as [she]_0-her passed by some dream of [a great poet cast in the visible shape of sculpture or of painting]_{3752-a great poet cast in the visible shape of sculpture or of painting} , did [her]_0-her glance grow reverent and humid ; only when [she]_0-her recognised amidst the marble forms , or the pictured stories , [some one of [those dear gods in whom [she]_0-her had a faith as pure and true as ever stirred in the heart of [an Ionian child]_{3755-an ionian child}]_{3754-those dear gods in whom she had a faith as pure and true as ever stirred in the heart of an ionian child}]_{3753-some one of those dear gods in whom she had a faith as pure and true as ever stirred in the heart of an ionian child} , did [she]_0-her falter and pause a little to gaze there with a tender homage in [her]_0-her eyes . [The old man]_{335-the old man} watched [her]_0-her with a musing , studious glance from time to time . “ Let [me]_{335-the old man} tempt [you]_0-her , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} said to [her]_0-her when [they]_3757-they reached the breakfast‐chamber . “ Sit down with [me]_{335-the old man} and eat and drink . No ? Taste these sweetmeats at the least . To refuse to break bread with [me]_{335-the old man} is churlish . ”_{[335-the old man]} “ [I]_0-her never owed [nay man]_{7308-nay man} a crust , and [I]_0-her will not begin now , ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her answered obstinately , indifferent to the blaze of gold and silver before [her]_0-her , to the rare fruits and flowers , to the wine in [their]_3758-their quaint flagons , to [the numerous attendants who waited motionless around [her]_0-her]_{3759-the numerous attendants who waited motionless around her} . [She]_0-her was sharply hungered , and [her]_0-her throat was parched with the heat and the dust , and the sweet unwonted odours of the wines and the fruits assailed all [her]_0-her sense ; but [he]_{335-the old man} besought [her]_0-her in vain . [She]_0-her poured [herself]_0-her out some water into a goblet of ruby glass , rimmed with a band of pearls , and drank it , and set the cup down as indifferently as though [she]_0-her had drunk from the old wooden bowl chained amongst the ivy to the well in [the mill‐yard]_{1636-the mill‐yard} . “ [Your]_0-her denial is very churlish , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} said , after many a honeyed entreaty , which had met with no other answer from [her]_0-her . “ How shall [you]_0-her bind [me]_0-her to keep bond with [you]_0-her , and rescue [[your]_0-her Northern]_{7309-your northern} [Regner]_{182-the scandinavian regner} from [[his]_{182-the scandinavian regner} cave of snakes]_{7310-his cave of snakes} , unless [you]_0-her break bread with [me]_0-her , and so compel [my]_0-her faith ? ”_[0-her] [She]_0-her looked at [him]_{335-the old man} from under the dusky cloud of [her]_0-her hair , with the golden threads gleaming on it like sun‐rays through darkness . “ A word that needs compelling , ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her answered [him]_{335-the old man} curtly , “ is broken by the heart before the lips give it . It is to plant a tree without a root , to put faith in [a man that needs a bond]_{7311-a man that needs a bond} . ”_[0-her] [He]_{335-the old man} watched [her]_0-her with keen humorous eyes of amusement . “ Where have [you]_0-her got all [your]_0-her wisdom ? ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} asked . “ It is not wisdom ; it is truth . ”_{[335-the old man]} “ And truth is not wisdom ? [You]_{335-the old man} would seem to know [the world]_{268-the world} well . ”_[0-her] [She]_0-her laughed a little short laugh , whilst [her]_0-her face clouded . “ [I]_0-her know it not at all . But [I]_0-her will tell [you]_{335-the old man} what [I]_0-her have seen . ”_[0-her] “ And that is — ? ”_{[335-the old man]} “ [I]_{335-the old man} have seen a great toadstool spring up all in one night , after rain , so big , and so white , and so smooth , and so round,—and [I]_{335-the old man} knew its birth was so quick , and its growth was so strong , because it was a false thing that would poison [all who should eat of it]_{7313-all who should eat of it} . ”_{[335-the old man]} “ Well ? ”_[0-her] “ Well — when [men]_364-men speak over‐quick and over‐fair , what is that but the toadstool that springs from [their]_364-men breath ? ”_{[335-the old man]} “ Who taught [you]_{335-the old man} so much suspicion ? ”_[0-her] [Her]_0-her face darkened in anger . “ Suspicion ? That is a thing that steals in the dark and is afraid . [I]_0-her am afraid of nothing . ”_[0-her] “ So it would seem . ”_{[335-the old man]} [He]_{335-the old man} mused a moment whether [he]_{335-the old man} should offer [her]_0-her back [her]_0-her sequins as a gift ; [he]_{335-the old man} thought not . [He]_{335-the old man} divined aright that [she]_0-her had only sold them because [she]_0-her had innocently believed in the fulness of their value . [He]_{335-the old man} tried to tempt [her]_0-her otherwise . [She]_0-her was young ; [she]_0-her had a beautiful face , and a form like [an Atalanta]_{3761-an atalanta} . [She]_0-her wore a scarlet sash girt to [her]_0-her loins , and seemed to care for colour and for grace . There was about [her]_0-her a dauntless and imperious freedom . [She]_0-her could not be indifferent to all those powers which [she]_0-her besought with such passion for another . [He]_{335-the old man} had various treasures shown to her,—treasures of jewels , of gold and silver , of fine workmanship , of woven stuffs delicate and gorgeous as the wing of a butterfly . [She]_0-her looked at them tranquilly , as though [her]_0-her eyes had rested on such things all [her]_0-her days . “ They are beautiful , no doubt , ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her said simply . “ But [I]_0-her marvel that [you]_{335-the old man} — being [a man]_{4875-a man} — care for such things as these . ”_[0-her] “ Nay ; [I]_0-her care to give them to [beautiful women]_{7316-beautiful women} , when such come to [me,—as one]_{7317-me,—as one} has come to‐day . Do [me]_0-her one trifling grace ; choose some one thing at least out of these to keep in remembrance of [me]_0-her . ”_[0-her] [Her]_0-her eyes burned in anger . “ If [I]_0-her think [your]_{335-the old man} bread would soil [my]_0-her lips , is it likely [I]_0-her should think to touch [your]_{335-the old man} treasure with [my]_0-her hands and have them still clean ? ”_[0-her] “ [You]_0-her are very perverse , ”_[3762-he] [he]_3762-he said , relinquishing [his]_3762-he efforts with regret . [He]_3762-he knew how to wait for a netted fruit to ripen under the rays of temptation : gold was a forcing heat — slow , but sure . [She]_0-her watched [him]_3762-he with musing eyes that had a gleam of scorn in them , and yet a certain apprehension . “ Are [you]_3762-he [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} ? ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her said suddenly . [He]_3762-he looked at [her]_0-her surprised , and for the moment perplexed ; then [he]_3762-he laughed — [his]_3762-he little low cynical laugh . “ What makes [you]_0-her think that ? ”_[3762-he] “ [I]_3762-he do not know . [You]_{335-the old man} look like it — that is all . [He]_3762-he has made one sketch of [me]_3762-he as [I]_3762-he shall be when [I]_3762-he am dead ; and the Red Mouse sits on [my]_3762-he chest , and it is glad . [You]_{335-the old man} see that , by its glance . [I]_3762-he never asked [him]_3762-he what [he]_3762-he meant by it . Some evil , [I]_3762-he think ; and [you]_{335-the old man} look like it . [You]_{335-the old man} have the same triumph in [your]_{335-the old man} eye . ”_[3762-he] [He]_3762-he laughed again , not displeased , as [she]_0-her had thought that [he]_3762-he would be . “ [He]_3762-he has painted [you]_{335-the old man} so ? [I]_0-her must see that . But believe [me]_0-her , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , [I]_0-her shall wish for [my]_0-her triumph before [your]_{335-the old man} beauty is dead — if [I]_0-her am indeed [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} . ”_[0-her] [She]_0-her shrunk a little with an unconscious and uncontrollable gesture of aversion . “ [I]_0-her must go , ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her said abruptly . “ [The mules]_{3130-the mules} wait . Remember [him]_3762-he , and [I]_0-her will remember [you]_{335-the old man} . ”_[0-her] [He]_3762-he smiled . “ Wait , have [you]_0-her thought what a golden key for [him]_3762-he will do for [you]_0-her when it unlocks [you]_0-her eagle ’s cage and unbinds [his]_3762-he wings ? ”_[3762-he] “ What ? ”_[0-her] [She]_0-her did not understand ; when [she]_0-her had come on this eager errand , no memory of [her]_0-her own fate had retarded or hastened [her]_0-her footsteps . “ Well , [you]_{335-the old man} look to take the same flight to the same heights , [I]_3762-he suppose ? ”_[3762-he] “ [I]_3762-he ? ”_[3762-he] “ Yes , [you]_3762-he . [You]_3762-he must know that [you]_3762-he are beautiful . [You]_3762-he must know so much ? ”_[3762-he] A proud light laughed like sunshine over all [her]_0-her face . “ Ah , yes ! ”_[0-her] [she]_0-her said , with a little low , glad breath , and the blaze of a superb triumph in [her]_0-her eyes . “ [He]_{335-the old man} has painted [me]_0-her in a thousand ways . [I]_0-her shall live as the rose lives , on [his]_{335-the old man} canvas — a thing of a day that [he]_{335-the old man} can make immortal ! ”_[0-her] The keen elfin eyes of [the old man]_{335-the old man} sparkled with a malign mirth ; [he]_{335-the old man} had found what [he]_{335-the old man} wanted — as [he]_{335-the old man} thought . “ And so , if this dust of oblivion blots out [his]_{335-the old man} canvas for ever from [the world]_{268-the world} ’s sight , [your]_3762-he beauty will be blotted with it ? [I]_{335-the old man} see . Well , [I]_{335-the old man} can understand how eager [you]_3762-he are to have [your]_3762-he eagle fly free . The fame of [the Fornarina]_{226-fornarina} stands only second to the fame of [Cleopatra]_{227-cleopatra} . ”_{[335-the old man]} “ [Fornarina]_{226-fornarina} ? What is that ? ”_[0-her] “ [Fornarina]_{226-fornarina} ? One who , like [you]_3762-he , gave the day ’s life of a rose , and who got eternal fire for it,—as [you]_3762-he think to do . ”_[3764-her] [She]_3764-her started a little , and a tremulous pain passed over the dauntless brilliance of [her]_3764-her face , and stole its colour for awhile . “ [I]_3764-her ? ”_[3764-her] [she]_3764-her murmured . “ Ah , what does it matter for [me]_3764-her ? If there be just a little place — anywhere — wherever [my]_3764-her life can live with [his]_{335-the old man} on the canvas , so that [men]_364-men say once now and then , in all the centuries , to [each other]_{555-each other} , ‘ See , it is true — [he]_{335-the old man} thought [her]_3764-her worthy of that , though [she]_3764-her was less than a grain of dust under the hollow of [his]_{335-the old man} foot , ’ it will be enough for [me]_3764-her — more than enough . ”_[3764-her] [The old man]_{335-the old man} was silent ; watching [her]_3764-her , the mockery had faded from [his]_{335-the old man} eyes ; they were surprised and contemplative . [She]_3764-her stood with [her]_3764-her head drooped , with [her]_3764-her face pale , an infinite yearning and resignation stole into the place of the exultant triumph which had blazed there like the pale light of morning a moment earlier . [She]_3764-her had lost all remembrance of time and place ; the words died softly , as in a sigh of love , upon [her]_3764-her lips . [He]_{335-the old man} waited awhile ; then [he]_{335-the old man} spoke . “ But , if [you]_7322-you were sure that even thus much would be denied to [you]_7322-you ; if [you]_7322-you were sure that , in casting [your]_7322-you eagle loose on the wind , [you]_7322-you would lose [him]_{335-the old man} for ever in [the heights of [a heaven]_{7324-a heaven} [you]_7322-you would never enter [yourself]_7322-you]_{7323-the heights of a heaven you would never enter yourself} ; if [you]_7322-you were sure that [he]_{335-the old man} would never give [you]_7322-you one thought , one wish , one memory , but leave every trace of [your]_7322-you beauty to perish as fast as the damp could rot or the worm could gnaw it ; if [you]_7322-you were sure that [his]_{335-the old man} immortality would be [your]_7322-you annihilation , say , would [you]_7322-you still bid [me]_{335-the old man} turn a gold key in the lock of [his]_{335-the old man} cage , and release [him]_{335-the old man} ? ”_{[335-the old man]} [She]_3766-she roused [herself]_3766-she slowly from [her]_3766-she reverie , and gazed at [him]_3767-him with a smile [he]_3767-him could not fathom ; it was so far away from [him]_3767-him , so full of memory , so pitiful of [his]_3767-him doubt . [She]_3766-she was thinking of the night when [she]_3766-she had found [a man]_{4875-a man} dying , and had bought [his]_{4875-a man} life back for [him]_{4875-a man} , with [her]_3766-she own , from [the gods]_{1366-the gods} . For the past was sacred to [her]_3766-she , and the old wild faith to [her]_3766-she was still a truth . But of it [her]_3766-she lips never spoke . “ What is that to [you]_{4875-a man} ? ”_[3766-she] [she]_3766-she asked , briefly . “ If [you]_{4875-a man} turn the key , [you]_{4875-a man} will see . It was not of [myself]_3766-she that [I]_3766-she came here to speak . Give [him]_{4875-a man} liberty , and [I]_3766-she will give [you]_{4875-a man} gratitude . Farewell . ”_[3766-she] Before [he]_{4875-a man} had perceived what [she]_3766-she was about to do , [she]_3766-she had left [his]_{4875-a man} side , and had vanished through one of the doors which stood open , on to [the gardens]_{3698-the gardens} without . [He]_{4875-a man} sent [[his]_{4875-a man} people]_{492-his people} to search for [her]_3766-she on [the terraces and lawns]_{3772-the terraces and lawns} , but vainly ; [she]_3766-she was fleeter than [they]_{492-his people} , and had gone through [the green glades]_{3773-the green glades} in the sunlight as fast as a doe flies . [The old man]_{335-the old man} sat silent . WHEN [she]_3766-she had outrun [her]_3766-she strength , for the moment , and was forced to slacken [her]_3766-she speed , [she]_3766-she paused to take breath on [the edge of [the wooded lands]_{3175-the wooded lands}]_{3775-the edge of the wooded lands} . [She]_3766-she looked neither to right nor left ; on [her]_3766-she backward flight [the waters]_{373-the waters} had no song , the marble forms no charm , the wonder‐flowers no magic for [her]_3766-she as [she]_3766-she went ; [she]_3766-she had no ear for the melodies of the birds , no sight for [the paradise of the rose‐hung ways]_{3778-the paradise of the rose‐hung ways} ; [she]_3766-she had only one thought left — the gold that [she]_3766-she had gained . The cruelty of [his]_{335-the old man} words had stabbed [her]_3766-she with each of [their]_3779-their slow keen words as with a knife ; the sickness of a mortal terror had touched [her]_3766-she for the instant , as [she]_3766-she had remembered that it might be [her]_3766-she fate to be not even so much as a memory in the life which [she]_3766-she had saved from the grave . But with the first breath of the outer air the feebleness passed . The strength of the passion that possessed [her]_3766-she was too pure to leave [her]_3766-she long a prey to any thought of [her]_3766-she own fate . [She]_3766-she smiled again as [she]_3766-she looked up through the leaves at the noon‐day sun . “ What will it matter how or when [the gods]_{1366-the gods} take [my]_3766-she life , so only [they]_{1366-the gods} keep [their]_{1366-the gods} faith and give [me]_3766-she [his]_{1366-the gods} ? ”_[3766-she] [she]_3766-she thought . And [her]_3766-she step was firm and free , and [her]_3766-she glance cloudless , and [her]_3766-she heart content , as [she]_3766-she went on [her]_3766-she homeward path through the heat of the day . [She]_3766-she was so young , [she]_3766-she was so ignorant , [she]_3766-she was still so astray in the human world about [her]_3766-she , that [she]_3766-she thought [she]_3766-she held a talisman in those nine gold pieces . “ A little gold , ”_[3780-he] [he]_3780-he had said ; and here [she]_3766-she had it — honest , clean , worthy of [his]_3780-he touch and usage . [Her]_3766-she heart leaped to the glad and bounding music of [early youth]_{3781-early youth} , youth which does not reason , which only believes , and which sees the golden haze of its own faiths , and thinks them the promise of the future , as [young children]_{3782-young children} see the golden haze of [their]_{3782-young children} own hair and think it the shade of the angels ’ wings above [their]_{3782-young children} heads . When [she]_3766-she at length reached [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} the sun had sunk ; [she]_3766-she had been sixteen hours on foot , taking nothing all the while but a roll of rye bread that [she]_3766-she had carried in [her]_3766-she pouch , and a few water‐cresses that [she]_3766-she had gathered in a little brook when [the mules]_{3130-the mules} had paused to drink there . Yet when [she]_3766-she had housed the grain , and turned the tired animals into [[their]_{3130-the mules} own nook of meadow]_{3785-their own nook of meadow} to graze and rest for the night , [she]_3766-she entered [the house]_{323-the house} neither for repose nor food , but flew off again through the dusk of the falling night . [She]_3766-she had no remembrance of hunger , nor thirst , nor fatigue ; [she]_3766-she had only a buoyant sense of an ecstatic joy ; [she]_3766-she felt as though [she]_3766-she had wings , and clove the air with no more effort than the belated starling which flew by [her]_3766-she over [the fields]_{316-the fields} . “ [A little god]_{7326-a little god} , ”_[3788-he] [he]_3788-he had said ; and in [her]_3766-she bosom , wrapped in a green chestnut leaf , were there not the little , broad , round , glittering pieces which in the world of [men]_364-men seemed to have power to gain all love , all honour , all peace , and all fealty ? ” “_{[121-phratos]} [Phratos]_121-phratos would have wished [his]_121-phratos gift to go so , ” [she]_3766-she thought to [herself]_3766-she , with a swift , penitent , remorseful memory . For a moment [she]_3766-she paused and took [them]_{3130-the mules} once more out of [[their]_{3130-the mules} hiding‐place]_{7327-their hiding‐place} , and undid the green leaf that enwrapped them , and kissed [them]_{3130-the mules} and laughed , the hot tears falling down [her]_3766-she cheeks , where [she]_3766-she stood alone in [the fields]_{316-the fields} amid the honey‐smell of the clover in the grass , and the fruit‐fragrance of [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} all about [her]_3766-she in the dimness . “_{[121-phratos]} A little gold!—a little gold ! ” [she]_3766-she murmured , and [she]_3766-she laughed aloud in [her]_3766-she great joy , and blessed the gods that [they]_7330-they had given [her]_3766-she to hear the voice of [his]_121-phratos desire . “_{[121-phratos]} A little gold , ” [he]_121-phratos had said , only ; and here [she]_3766-she had so much ! [No sorcerer]_{7331-no sorcerer} , [she]_3766-she thought , ever had power wider than this wealth bestowed on [her]_3766-she . [She]_3766-she did not know ; [she]_3766-she had no measurement . [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} ’s eyes [she]_3766-she had seen glisten over a tithe of such a sum as over the riches of [[an emperor]_{7332-an emperor} ’s treasury]_{7333-an emperor ’s treasury} . [She]_3766-she slipped them in [her]_3766-she breast again and ran on past the reeds silvering in the rising moon , past the waters quiet on a windless air , past the dark Christ who would not look,—who had never looked , or [she]_3766-she had loved [him]_121-phratos with [her]_3766-she earliest love , even as for [his]_121-phratos pity [she]_3766-she loved [Thanatos]_167-thanatos . Breathless and noiseless [she]_3766-she severed the reeds with [her]_3766-she swift feet , and lightly as a swallow on the wing passed through the dreary portals into [[Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s chamber]_{7334-arslàn ’s chamber} . [His]_121-phratos lamp was lighted . [He]_121-phratos stood before the cartoon of [the Barabbas]_206-barabbas , touching it here and there with [his]_121-phratos charcoal , adding those latest thoughts , those after‐graces , with which [the artist]_{6434-the artist} delights to caress [his]_121-phratos picture , with a hand as soft and as lingering as the hand with which [a mother]_{3254-a mother} caresses the yellow sunshine of [her]_{3254-a mother} first‐born ’s curls . [His]_121-phratos face as [he]_121-phratos stood was very pale , passionless , weary , with a sadness sardonic and full of scorn for [himself]_121-phratos on [his]_121-phratos mouth , and in [his]_121-phratos eyes those dreams which went so far — so far — into worlds whose glories [his]_121-phratos hand could pourtray for no human sight . [He]_121-phratos was thinking , as [he]_121-phratos worked , of [the Barabbas]_206-barabbas . “_{[121-phratos]} [You]_3790-her must rot , ” [he]_121-phratos thought . “_[3790-her] [You]_3790-her will feed the rat and the mouse ; the squirrel will come and gnaw [you]_3790-her to line [his]_3791-his nest ; and the beetle and the fly will take [you]_3790-her for a spawning‐bed . [You]_3790-her will serve no other end — since [you]_3790-her are [mine]_3792-mine . And yet [I]_0-her am so great a fool that [I]_0-her love [you]_3790-her , and try to bring [you]_3790-her closer and closer to the thing [I]_0-her see , and which [you]_3790-her are not , and never can be . For what [man]_4882-man lives so happy as to see the Canaan of [his]_4882-man ideals,—save as [Moses]_228-moses saw it from afar off , only to raise [his]_228-moses arms to it vainly , and die ? ” There came a soft shiver of the air , as though it were severed by some eager bird . [She]_3790-her came and stood beside [him]_121-phratos , a flash like the sunrise on [her]_3790-her face , a radiance in [her]_3790-her eyes more lustrous than any smile ; [her]_3790-her body tremulous and breathless from the impatient speed with which [her]_3790-her footsteps had been winged ; about [her]_3790-her all the dew and fragrance of the night . “_[228-moses] Here is the gold ! ” [she]_3790-her cried . [Her]_3790-her voice was eager and broken with its too great haste . “_[228-moses] Gold ? ” [He]_121-phratos turned and looked at [her]_3790-her , ignorant of [her]_3790-her meaning , astonished at [her]_3790-her sudden presence there . “_[228-moses] Here is the gold ! ” [she]_3790-her murmured , [her]_3790-her voice rising swift and clear , and full of the music of triumph with which [her]_3790-her heart was thrilling . “_[228-moses] ‘ A little gold , ’ [you]_3794-you said , [you]_3794-you remember?—‘only a little . ’ And this is much . Take it — take it ! Do [you]_3794-you not hear ? ” “_[3794-you] Gold ? ” [he]_121-phratos echoed again , shaken from [his]_121-phratos trance of thought , and comprehending nothing and remembering nothing of the words that [he]_121-phratos had spoken in [his]_121-phratos solitude . “_[3794-you] Yes ! It is mine , ” [she]_3790-her said , [her]_3790-her voice broken in its tumult of ecstasy—“it_[3794-you] is mine — all mine . It is no charity , no gift to [me]_0-her . The chain was worth it , and [I]_0-her would only take what it was worth . A little gold , [you]_3794-you said ; and now [you]_3794-you can make [the Barabbas]_{3795-the barabbas} live for ever upon canvas , and compel [men]_364-men to say that it is great . ” As the impetuous , tremulous words broke from [her]_3790-her , [she]_3790-her drew the green leaf with the coins in it from [her]_3790-her bosom , and thrust it in to [his]_121-phratos hand , eager , exultant , laughing , weeping , all the silence and the control of [her]_3790-her nature swept away in the flood of this immeasurable joy possessing [her]_3790-her . The touch of the glittering pieces against [his]_121-phratos hands stung [him]_121-phratos to comprehension ; [his]_121-phratos face flushed over all its pallor ; [he]_121-phratos thrust it away with a gesture of abhorrence and rejection . “_[364-men] Money ! ” [he]_121-phratos muttered . “_[364-men] What money?—yours ? ” “_[0-her] Yes , [mine]_0-her entirely ; mine indeed ! ” [she]_3790-her answered , with a sweet , glad ring of victory in [her]_3790-her rejoicing voice . “_[3798-you] It is true , quite true . They were the chains of sequins that [Phratos]_121-phratos gave [me]_0-her when [I]_0-her used to dance to [his]_121-phratos music in [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains} ; and [I]_0-her have sold them . ‘ A little gold , ’ [you]_3798-you said ; ‘ and [the Barabbas]_206-barabbas can live for ever . ’ Why do [you]_3798-you look so ? It is all [mine]_0-her ; all [yours]_3799-yours — ” In the last words [her]_3790-her voice lost all its proud exultation , and sank low , with a dull startled wonder in it . Why did [he]_121-phratos look so ? [His]_121-phratos gesture of refusal [she]_3790-her had not noticed . But the language [his]_121-phratos glance spoke was one plain to [her]_3790-her . It terrified [her]_3790-her , amazed [her]_3790-her , struck [her]_3790-her chill and dumb . In it there was disgust , anger , loathing , even horror;—and yet there was in it also an unwonted softness , which in [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s eyes would have shown itself by a rush of sudden tears . “_[3799-yours] What do [you]_3798-you think that [I]_0-her have done ? ” [she]_3790-her murmured under [her]_3790-her breath . “_[3798-you] The gold is mine — mine honestly . [I]_0-her have not stolen it , nor begged it . [I]_0-her got it as [I]_0-her say . Why will [you]_3798-you not take it ? Why do [you]_3798-you look at [me]_0-her so ? ” “_[3798-you] [I]_0-her ? [Your]_3798-you money ? [God]_118-god in [heaven]_1212-heaven ! what can [you]_3798-you think [me]_0-her ? ” [She]_3790-her grew white to the lips , all the impetuous , radiant tumult of [her]_3790-her innocent rapture frozen into terror . “_[3798-you] [I]_0-her have done nothing wrong , ” [she]_3790-her murmured with a piteous wistfulness and wonder—“nothing_[3798-you] wrong , indeed ; there is no shame in it . Will [you]_3798-you not take it — for [their]_3801-their sake ? ” [He]_3798-you turned on [her]_3790-her with a severity almost savage . “_[3798-you] It is impossible ! [Good God]_118-god ! Was [I]_0-her not low enough already ? How dared [you]_3798-you think a thing so vile of [me]_0-her ? Have [I]_0-her ever asked pity of [any living soul]_{4905-any living soul} ? ” [His]_3798-you voice was choked in [his]_3798-you throat ; [he]_3798-you was wounded to the heart . [He]_3798-you had no thought that [he]_3798-you was cruel ; [he]_3798-you had no intent to terrify or hurt [her]_3790-her ; but the sting of this last and lowest humiliation was so horrible to all the pride of [his]_3798-you manhood , and so bitterly reminded [him]_3798-you of [his]_3798-you own abject poverty ; and with all this there was an emotion in [him]_3798-you that [he]_3798-you had difficulty to control — being touched by [her]_3790-her ignorance and by [her]_3790-her gift as few things in [his]_3798-you life had ever touched [him]_3798-you . [She]_3790-her stood before [him]_3798-you trembling , wondering , sorely afraid ; all the light had died out of [her]_3790-her face ; [she]_3790-her was very pale , and [her]_3790-her eyes dilated strangely . For some moments there was silence between [them]_7338-them . “_[0-her] [You]_3803-you will not take it ? ” [she]_3790-her said at last , in a hushed , fearful voice , like that of [one who speaks in the sight of some dead thing which makes all quiet around it]_{7339-one who speaks in the sight of some dead thing which makes all quiet around it} . “_[3803-you] Take it ! ” [he]_3798-you echoed . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her could sooner kill [a man]_{4875-a man} out yonder and rob [him]_{4875-a man} . Can [you]_3803-you not understand ? Greater shame could never come to [me]_0-her . [You]_3803-you do not know what [you]_3803-you would do . There may be beasts that fall as low , no doubt , but [they]_3805-they are curs too base for hanging . Have [I]_0-her frightened [you]_3803-you ? [I]_0-her did not mean to frighten [you]_3803-you . [You]_3803-you mean well and nobly , no doubt — no doubt . [You]_3803-you do not know what [you]_3803-you would do . Gifts of gold from [man]_4882-man to [man]_4882-man are bitter , and sap the strength of [the receiver]_{3808-the receiver} ; but from [woman]_339-woman to [man]_4882-man [they]_3805-they are — to [the man]_{857-the man} shameful . Can [you]_3803-you not understand ? ” [Her]_0-her face burned duskily ; [she]_0-her moved with a troubled confused effort to get away from [his]_3803-you gaze . “_[3803-you] No , ” [she]_0-her said in [her]_0-her shut teeth . “_[3803-you] [I]_0-her do not know what [you]_3803-you mean . [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} takes all the gold [I]_0-her make . Why not [you]_3803-you , if it be gold that is honest ? ” “_[3803-you] [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} is [[your]_3803-you grandsire]_{3812-your grandsire} — [[your]_3803-you keeper]_{3813-your keeper} — [[your]_3803-you master]_{3814-your master} . [He]_{3814-your master} has a right to do as [he]_{3814-your master} chooses . [He]_{3814-your master} gives [you]_3803-you food and shelter , and in return [he]_{3814-your master} takes the gains of [your]_3803-you labour . But [I,—what]_{3815-i,—what} have [I]_0-her ever given [you]_3803-you ? [I]_0-her am [a stranger to [you]_3803-you]_{3816-a stranger to you} , and should have no claim on [you]_3803-you , if [I]_0-her could be base enough to seek one . [I]_0-her am hideously poor . [I]_0-her make no disguise with [you,—you]_3803-you know too well how [I]_0-her live . But can [you]_3803-you not see?—if [I]_0-her were mean enough to take the worth of a crust from [you]_3803-you , [I]_0-her should be no more worthy of the very name of [man]_4882-man . It is for [the man]_{857-the man} to give to [the woman]_{633-the woman} . [You]_3803-you see . ” [She]_0-her heard [him]_{857-the man} in silence , [her]_0-her face still dark with the confused pain on it of [one who has fallen or been struck upon the head]_{7340-one who has fallen or been struck upon the head} , and half forgets and half remembers . “_[3803-you] [I]_0-her do not see , ” [she]_0-her muttered . “_[3803-you] Whoever has , gives ; what does it matter ? The folly in [me]_0-her was its littleness : it could not be of use . But it was all [I]_0-her had . ” “_[0-her] Little or great,—the riches of empires , or [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} ’s dole,—there could be no difference in the infamy to [me]_0-her . Have [I]_0-her seemed to [you]_3803-you a creature so vile or weak that [you]_3803-you could have a title to put such shame upon [me]_0-her ? ” Out of the bitter passion of [his]_{857-the man} soul , words more cruel than [he]_{857-the man} had consciousness of rose to [his]_{857-the man} lips and leaped to speech , and stung [her]_0-her as scorpions sting . [She]_0-her said nothing ; [her]_0-her teeth clenched , [her]_0-her face changed as it had used to do when [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} had beaten [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her said nothing , but turned away ; and with one twist of [her]_0-her hand [she]_0-her flung the pieces through the open casement into [the river]_{356-the river} that flowed below . They sank with a little shiver of the severed water . [He]_{857-the man} caught [her]_0-her wrist a second too late . “_[3803-you] What madness ? What have [you]_3803-you done ? [You]_3803-you throw [your]_3803-you gold away to [the river‐swamp]_{3821-the river‐swamp} for [me]_0-her , when [I]_0-her have not a shred worth a copper‐piece to pay [you]_3803-you back in [their]_3822-their stead ! [I]_0-her did not mean to hurt [you]_3803-you ; it was only the truth,—you could not have shamed [me]_0-her more . [You]_3803-you bring on [me]_0-her an indignity that [I]_0-her can neither requite nor revenge . [You]_3803-you have no right to load [me]_0-her with debts that [I]_0-her can not pay — with gifts that [I]_0-her would die sooner than receive . But , then , how should [you]_3803-you know?—how should [you]_3803-you know ? If [I]_0-her wounded [you]_3803-you with sharp words , [I]_0-her did wrong . ” There was a softness that was almost tenderness in [his]_3803-you voice as [he]_3803-you spoke the last phrases in [his]_3803-you self‐reproach ; but [her]_0-her face did not change , [her]_0-her eyes did not lose their startled horror ; [she]_0-her put [her]_0-her hand to [her]_0-her throat as though [she]_0-her choked . “_[0-her] [You]_3803-you can not do wrong — to [me]_0-her , ” [she]_0-her muttered , true , even in such a moment , to the absolute adoration which possessed [her]_0-her . Then , ere [he]_3803-you could stay [her]_0-her , [she]_0-her turned , without another word , and fled out from [his]_3803-you presence into the dusk of the night . The rushes in the moonlight sighed where they grew by the water‐side above the sands where the gold had sunk . A thing more precious than gold was dead ; and only the reeds mourned for it . A thing of [the river]_{356-the river} as [they]_{356-the river} were , born like [them]_{356-the river} from the dust , from the flood , from the wind and the foam ; a thing that [a god]_{942-a god} might desire , a thing that a breeze might break . THE day broke tranquilly . There was a rosy light over all [the earth]_{288-the earth} . In [the cornlands]_{7345-the cornlands} a few belated sheaves stood alone in the reaping‐ground , while [children]_366-children sought stray ears that might still be left amongst the wild flowers and the stubble . The smell of millions of ripening autumn fruits filled the air from [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} . [The women]_{472-the women} going to [their]_{472-the women} labour in [[their]_{472-the women} fields]_{5235-their fields} , gave [each other]_{555-each other} a quiet good day ; whilst [[their]_{472-the women} infants]_{3354-their infants} pulled down the blackberry branches in [the lanes]_{477-the lanes} or bowled the early apples down [the roads]_{5883-the roads} . Great clusters of black grapes were already mellowed on the vines that clambered over cabin roof and [farmhouse chimney]_{7354-farmhouse chimney} . The chimes of the earliest bells sounded softly from many [a little steeple bosomed in [the rolling woods]_{7356-the rolling woods}]_{7355-a little steeple bosomed in the rolling woods} . [An old man]_{1169-an old man} going to [his]_{1169-an old man} work passed by [a girl]_{5074-a girl} lying asleep in a hollow of the ground , beneath a great tree of berries . [She]_{5074-a girl} was lying with [her]_{5074-a girl} face turned upward ; [her]_{5074-a girl} arms above [her]_{5074-a girl} head ; [her]_{5074-a girl} eyelids were wet ; [her]_{5074-a girl} mouth smiled a dreamy tenderness ; [her]_{5074-a girl} lips murmured a little inaudibly ; [her]_{5074-a girl} bosom heaved with fast uneven palpitating breaths . It was sunrise . In [the elder thicket little chaffinches]_{7359-the elder thicket little chaffinches} were singing , and a missel‐thrush gave late in the year a song of the April weather . [The east]_{5641-the east} was radiant with the promise of a fair day , in which summer and autumn should be wedded with gorgeous pomp of colour , and joyous chorus of the birds . [The old man]_{335-the old man} roughly thrust against [her]_3823-her breast the heavy wooden shoe on [his]_{335-the old man} right foot . “_[3803-you] Get up ! ” [he]_{335-the old man} muttered , “_[3803-you] Is it for the like of [you]_3823-her to lie and sleep at day‐dawn ? Get up , or [your]_3823-her breath will poison the grasses that [the cattle]_{3824-the cattle} feed on , and [they]_{3824-the cattle} will die of [an elf‐shot]_{3825-an elf‐shot} , surely . ” [She]_3823-her raised [her]_3823-her head from where it rested on [her]_3823-her out‐stretched arms , and looked [him]_{335-the old man} in the eyes and smiled unconsciously ; then glanced around and rose and dragged [her]_3823-her steps away , in the passive mechanical obedience begotten by long slavery . There was a shiver in [her]_3823-her limbs ; a hunted terror in [her]_3823-her eyes ; [she]_3823-her had wandered sleepless all night long . “_{[3825-an elf‐shot]} Beast , ” muttered [the old man]_{335-the old man} , trudging on with a backward glance at [her]_3823-her . “_{[3825-an elf‐shot]} [You]_3823-her have been at a witches ’ sabbath , [I]_0-her dare be bound . [We]_3826-we shall have fine sickness in the styes and byres . [I]_0-her wonder would a silver bullet hurt [you]_3823-her , as the fables say ? If [I]_0-her were sure it would , [I]_0-her would not mind having [my]_0-her old silver flagon melted down , though it is the only thing worth a rush in [the house]_{323-the house} . ” [She]_3823-her went on through the long wet rank grass , not hearing [his]_{335-the old man} threats against [her]_3823-her . [She]_3823-her drew [her]_3823-her steps slowly and lifelessly through the heavy dews ; [her]_3823-her hand was sunk ; [her]_3823-her lips moved audibly , and murmured as [she]_3823-her went , “_[3829-they] A little gold , a little gold ! ” “_[3829-they] May be [some one]_{1435-some one} has shot [her]_3823-her this very day‐dawn , ” thought [the peasant]_{5394-the peasant} , shouldering [his]_{5394-the peasant} axe as [he]_{5394-the peasant} went down into the little wood to cut ash‐sticks for [the market]_{948-the market} . “_{[1435-some one]} [She]_3823-her looks half dead already ; and [they]_3829-they say [the devil‐begotten]_{3830-the devil‐begotten} never bleed . ” [The old man]_{335-the old man} guessed aright . [She]_3823-her had received [her]_3823-her mortal wound ; though it was one bloodless and tearless , and for which no moan was made , lest any should blame [the slayer]_{7366-the slayer} . The sense of some great guilt was on [her]_3823-her , as [she]_3823-her stole through the rosy warmth of the early morning . [She]_3823-her had thought to take [him]_{335-the old man} liberty , honour , strength , and dominion among [[his]_{335-the old man} fellows]_{1912-his fellows} — and [he]_{335-the old man} had told [her]_3823-her , that [she]_3823-her had dealt [him]_{335-the old man} the foulest shame that [his]_{335-the old man} life had ever known . “_[3829-they] What right have [you]_3831-you to burden [me]_0-her with debt unasked ? ” [he]_{335-the old man} had cried out against [her]_3823-her in the bitterness of [his]_{335-the old man} soul . And [she]_3823-her knew that , unasked , [she]_3823-her had laid on [him]_{335-the old man} the debt of life . If ever [he]_{335-the old man} should know ? — [She]_3823-her had wandered on and on , aimlessly , not knowing what [she]_3823-her did all the night through , hearing no other sound but the fierce hard scathing scorn of [his]_{335-the old man} reproaches . [He]_{335-the old man} had told [her]_3823-her [she]_3823-her was in act so criminal , and yet [she]_3823-her knew [herself]_3823-her in intent so blameless ; [she]_3823-her felt like those of whom [she]_3823-her had heard in the old Hellenic stories , who had been doomed by fate , guiltless [themselves]_{7368-themselves} , to work some direful guilt , which had to be , out to its bitter end , the innocent yet the accursed instrument of destiny , even as Adrastus upon [Atys]_229-atys . On and on , through the moonlight [she]_3823-her had fled , when [she]_3823-her had left the water‐tower that night ; down [the slope of [the fields]_{316-the fields}]_{7369-the slope of the fields} , through the late blossoms of the poppies , and the feathery haze of the ripened grasses tossed in waves from right to left ; the long shadows of the clouds upon [the earth]_{288-the earth} , chasing [her]_3823-her like the spectre hosts of the Aaskarreya of [[his]_{335-the old man} Scandinavian skies]_{7372-his scandinavian skies} . [She]_3823-her had dropped at last like a dying thing , broken and breathless on the ground . There [she]_3823-her crouched , and hid [her]_3823-her face upon [her]_3823-her hands ; the scorch of an intolerable shame burned on it . [She]_3823-her did not know what ailed [her]_3823-her ; what consumed [her]_3823-her with abhorrence of [herself]_3823-her . [She]_3823-her longed for [the earth]_{288-the earth} to yawn and cover [her]_3823-her ; for the lilies asleep in the pool , to unclose and take [her]_3823-her amidst [them]_{7372-his scandinavian skies} . Every shiver of a leaf , under a night‐bird ’s passage , every motion of the water , as the willow branches swept it , made [her]_3823-her start and shiver as though some great guilt was on [her]_3823-her soul . Not a breath of wind was stirring , not a sound disturbed the serenity of the early night ; [she]_3823-her heard no voice but the plaintive cry of the cushat . [She]_3823-her saw “_[3831-you] no snakes but the keen stars , ” which looked on [her]_3823-her cold and luminous , and indifferent to human woes as the eyes of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . Yet [she]_3823-her was afraid ; afraid with a trembling horror of [herself]_3823-her ; [she]_3823-her who had once never known one pulse of fear , and who had smiled in the eyes of death as children in [[their]_7374-their mother]_{773-their mother} ’s . The thrill of a new‐born , inexplicable , cruel consciousness stole like fire through [her]_3823-her . [She]_3823-her knew now that [she]_3823-her loved [him]_7376-his with that strange mystery of human love which had been for ever to [her]_3823-her until now a thing apart from [her]_3823-her , denied to [her]_3823-her , half scorned , half yearned for ; viewed from afar with derision , yet with desire , as a thing at once beneath [her]_3823-her and beyond [her]_3823-her . All the light died ; the moon rose ; the while lilies shared in its pallid rays ; the night birds went by on the wind . [She]_3823-her never stirred ; the passionate warmth of [her]_3823-her frame changed to a deadly cold ; [her]_3823-her face was buried in [her]_3823-her hands ; ever and again [she]_3823-her shivered , and glanced round , as the sound of a hare ’s step or the rustle of a bough by a squirrel broke the silence . The calm night‐world around [her]_3823-her , the silvery seas of reeds , [the dusky woods]_{7377-the dusky woods} , the moon in its ring of golden vapour , the flickering foilage , the gleam of the glowworm in the dew , all the familiar things amidst which [her]_3823-her feet had wandered for twelve summers in the daily measure of those beaten tracks ; all these seemed suddenly strange to [her]_3823-her — mysterious , unreal . [She]_3823-her longed for the day to dawn again , though day was but an hour dead . And yet [she]_3823-her felt that at the first break of light [she]_3823-her must flee and hide from [his]_7376-his and every eye . [She]_3823-her but meant to give [him]_7376-his honour ; and [he]_7376-his had upbraided [her]_3823-her gift as shame . The bitterness , the cruelty , the passion of [his]_7376-his reproaches , stung with their poison , as , in [her]_3823-her vision of [the reed]_{7165-the reed} , [she]_3823-her had seen the barbed tongues of a thousand snakes striking through and through [the frail , despised , blossomless slave of the wind]_{7379-the frail , despised , blossomless slave of the wind} . [She]_3823-her had thought that as [the god to the reed]_{7380-the god to the reed} , so might [he]_7376-his to [her]_3823-her say hereafter , “_[3832-you] [You]_3832-you are the lowliest and least of all the chance‐born things of [the sands]_{3549-the sands} and the air , and yet through [you]_3832-you has an immortal music arisen,”—and for the insanity of [her]_3823-her thought [he]_7376-his had cursed [her]_3823-her . Towards dawn , where [she]_3823-her had sunk down in the moss , and in [the thickets of elder and thorn]_{7381-the thickets of elder and thorn} — where [she]_3823-her had made [her]_3823-her bed in [her]_3823-her childhood many a summer night , when [she]_3823-her had been turned out from the doors of [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} ; there for a little while a fitful exhausted sleep came to [her]_3823-her ; the intense exhaustion of bodily fatigue overcoming and drugging to slumber the fever and the wakefulness of the mind . The thrush came out of the thorn , while it was still quite dark , and the morning stars throbbed in the skies , and sang [his]_7376-his day‐song close about [her]_3823-her head . In [her]_3823-her sleep [she]_3823-her smiled . For [Oneiros]_166-oneiros was merciful ; and [she]_3823-her dreamed that [she]_3823-her slept folded close in the arms of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , and in [her]_3823-her dreams [she]_3823-her felt the kisses of [his]_172-arslàn lips rain fast on [hers]_3823-her . Then [the old peasant]_{638-the old peasant} trudging to [his]_172-arslàn labour in the obscurity of the early day saw [her]_3823-her , and struck at [her]_3823-her with [his]_172-arslàn foot and woke [her]_3823-her roughly , and muttered , “_[3834-thee] Get [thee]_3834-thee up ; is it such beggars as [thee]_3834-thee that should be a‐bed when the sun breaks ? ” [She]_3823-her opened [her]_3823-her eyes , and smiled on [him]_172-arslàn unconsciously , as [she]_3823-her had smiled in [her]_3823-her brief oblivion . The passion of [her]_3823-her dreams was still about [her]_3823-her ; [her]_3823-her mouth burned , [her]_3823-her limbs trembled ; the air seemed to [her]_3823-her filled with music , like the sound of [the mavis]_{7384-the mavis} singing in the thorn . Then [she]_3823-her remembered ; and shuddered ; and arose , knowing the sweet , mad dream , which had cheated [her]_3823-her , a lie . For [she]_3823-her awoke alone . [She]_3823-her did not heed [the old man]_{335-the old man} ’s words , [she]_3823-her did not feel [his]_{335-the old man} hurt ; yet [she]_3823-her obeyed [him]_{335-the old man} , and left [the place]_{342-the place} , and dragged [herself]_3823-her feebly towards [Yprès]_11-yprès by the sheer unconscious working of that instinct born of habit which takes the ox or the ass back undriven through the old accustomed ways to stand beside [their]_7387-their ploughshare or [their]_7387-their harness faithful and unbidden . Where [the stream]_{374-the stream} ran by [the old mill‐steps]_{7389-the old mill‐steps} the [river reeds]_{7390-river reeds} were blowing in the wind , with sun‐rays playing in [their]_{7390-river reeds} midst , and the silver wings of the swallows brushing them with a swift caress . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her thought to be the reed chosen by [the gods]_{1366-the gods} ! ” [she]_3823-her said bitterly in [her]_3823-her heart , “_[0-her] but am [I]_0-her not worthy — even to die . ” For [she]_3823-her would have asked of fate no nobler thing than this — to be cut down as the reed by [the reaper]_{7178-the reaper} , if so be that through [her]_3823-her [the world]_{268-the world} might be brought to hearken to the music of the lips that [she]_3823-her loved . [She]_3823-her drew [her]_3823-her aching weary limbs feebly through [the leafy ways of [the old mill‐garden]_{7394-the old mill‐garden}]_{7393-the leafy ways of the old mill‐garden} . The first leaves of autumn fluttered down upon [her]_3823-her head ; the last scarlet of the roses flashed in [her]_3823-her path as [she]_3823-her went ; the winelike odours of the fruits were all about [her]_3823-her on the air . It was then fully day . The sun was up ; the bells rang the sixth hour far away from [the high towers and spires of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{7395-the high towers and spires of the town} . At [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} , and in [the mill‐yard]_{1636-the mill‐yard} , where usually [everyone had arisen and were hard at labour whist]_{7399-everyone had arisen and were hard at labour whist} the dawn was dark , everything was still . There was no sign of work . The light blazed on the panes of the casements under the eaves , but its summons failed to arouse the sleepers under the roof . The bees hummed around [[their]_7400-their houses of straw]_{7401-their houses of straw} ; the pigeons flew to and fro between the timbers of the walls and the boughs of the fruit trees . [The mule]_{1386-the mule} leaned [his]_{1386-the mule} head over the bar of the gate , and watched with wistful eyes . [The cow in [[her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} shed]_{7404-her shed}]_{7403-the cow in her shed} lowed , impatient for some human hands to unbar [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} door , and lead [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} forth to [[her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} green clovered pasture]_{7405-her green clovered pasture} . [A dumb boy]_{7406-a dumb boy} , who aided in the working of [the mill]_{281-the mill} , sat astride of a log of timber , kicking [his]_{7406-a dumb boy} feet amongst the long grasses , and blowing thistles down above [his]_{7406-a dumb boy} head upon the breeze . The silence and the inactivity startled [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} into a sense of them , as no noise or movement , curses of blows , could have done . [She]_{7403-the cow in her shed} looked around stupidly ; the window‐shutters of the house‐windows were closed , as though it were still night . [She]_{7403-the cow in her shed} signed rapidly to [the boy]_{4995-the boy} . “_[0-her] What has happened ? Why is [the mill]_{281-the mill} not at work thus late ? ” [The lad]_{1197-the lad} left off blowing the thistle feathers on the wind , and grinned , and answered on [his]_{1197-the lad} hands : “_{[117-reine flamma]} [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} is almost dead , [they]_3837-they say . ” And [he]_{1197-the lad} grinned again , and laughed , as far as [his]_{1197-the lad} uncouth and guttural noises could be said to approach the triumph and the jubilance of laughter . [She]_{7403-the cow in her shed} stared at [him]_{1197-the lad} blankly for awhile , bewildered and shaken from the stupor of [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} own misery . [She]_{7403-the cow in her shed} had never thought of death and [[her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} tyrant]_{5680-her tyrant} in unison . [He]_{1197-the lad} had seemed [a man formed to live on and on and on unchanging for generations]_{7411-a man formed to live on and on and on unchanging for generations} ; [he]_{1197-the lad} was so hard , so unyielding , so hale , so silent , so callous to all pain ; it had ever seemed to [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} — and to [the country round,—that death itself]_{7412-the country round,—that death itself} would never venture to come to wrestle with [him]_{1197-the lad} . [She]_{7403-the cow in her shed} stood amongst the red and the purple and the russet gold of the latest summer flowers in [the mill‐garden]_{282-the mill‐garden} , where [he]_{1197-the lad} had scourged [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} as [a little child]_{607-a little child} for daring to pause and cool [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} burning face in the sweetness of the white lilies . Could that ruthless arm be unnerved even by age or death — it seemed to [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} quite impossible . All was quite still . Nothing stirred , except the silvery gnats of the morning , and the bees , and the birds in the leaves . There seemed a strange silence everywhere , and the great wheels stood still in [the mill‐water]_{7415-the mill‐water} ; never within the memory of any in [that countryside]_{7416-that countryside} had those wheels failed to turn at sunrise , unless locked by a winter‐frost . [She]_{7403-the cow in her shed} hastened [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} steps , and went within . The clock ticked , the lean cat mewed ; other sound there was none . [She]_{7403-the cow in her shed} left [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} wooden shoes at the bottom step , and stole up [the steep stairs]_{7417-the steep stairs} . [The woman]_{633-the woman} [Pitchou]_147-pitchou peered with a scared face out from [[[her]_147-pitchou master]_{640-her master} ’s chamber]_{7420-her master ’s chamber} . “_[3837-they] Where hast been all night ? ” [she]_{7403-the cow in her shed} whispered in [her]_{7403-the cow in her shed} grating voice ; “_{[3839-thy grandsire]} [[thy]_3838-thy grandsire]_{3839-thy grandsire} lies a‐dying . ” “_{[3839-thy grandsire]} Dying ? ” “_{[3839-thy grandsire]} Aye , ” muttered [the old peasant]_{638-the old peasant} . “_{[3839-thy grandsire]} [He]_{3839-thy grandsire} had a stroke yester’‐night , as [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} came from [the corn fair]_{3840-the corn fair} . [They]_3841-they brought [him]_{3839-thy grandsire} [home]_497-home in [the cart]_{3843-the cart} . [He]_{3839-thy grandsire} is as good as dead . [You]_3844-you are glad . ” “_[3844-you] Hush ! ” muttered [the girl]_{5116-the girl} fiercely ; and [she]_{5116-the girl} dropt down on the topmost step , and rested [her]_{5116-the girl} head on [her]_{5116-the girl} hands . [She]_{5116-the girl} had nothing to grieve for ; and yet there was that in the coarse congratulations which jarred on [her]_{5116-the girl} and hurt [her]_{5116-the girl} . [She]_{5116-the girl} thought on [Manon Dax]_{148-manon dax} dead in the snow ; [she]_{5116-the girl} thought of the song‐birds dead in the traps ; [she]_{5116-the girl} thought of the poor coming — coming — coming — through so many winters to beg bread , and going away with empty hands and burdened hearts , cursing [God]_118-god . Was this death‐bed all [their]_3841-they vengeance ? It was poor justice , and came late . [Old Pitchou]_147-pitchou stood and looked at [her]_{5116-the girl} . “_[3844-you] Will [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} leave [her]_3845-her the gold or no ? ” [she]_{5116-the girl} questioned in [herself]_{5116-the girl} ; musing whether or no it were better to be civil to the one who might inherit all [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} wealth , or might be cast adrift upon [the world]_{268-the world} — who could say which ? After awhile [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} rose silently and brushed [her]_{5116-the girl} aside , and went into [the room]_{2665-the room} . [It]_{2665-the room} was [a poor chamber]_{7425-a poor chamber} ; with a bed of straw and a rough bench or two , and a wooden cross with a picture of the Ascension hung above it . The square window was open , a knot of golden pear leaves nodded to and fro ; a linnet sang . On the bed [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} lay ; dead already , except for the twitching of [his]_{115-claudis flamma} mouth , and the restless wanderings of [his]_{115-claudis flamma} eyes . Yet not so lost to life but that [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} knew [her]_3845-her at a glance ; and , as [she]_3845-her entered , glared upon [her]_3845-her , and clenched [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} numbed hands upon the straw , and with a horrible effort in [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} almost lifeless limbs , raised the right arm , that alone had any strength or warmth left in it , and pointed at [her]_3845-her with a shriek : “_[3845-her] [She]_3845-her was [a saint]_{4870-a saint} — [a saint]_{4870-a saint} : [God]_118-god took [her]_3845-her . So [I]_0-her said:—and was proud . While all the while [man]_4882-man begot on [her]_3845-her that ! ” Then with a ghastly rattle in [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} throat , [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} quivered , and lay paralysed again ; only the eyes were alive , and were still speaking — awfully . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} went up to [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} bed , and stood beside it , looking down on [him]_{3839-thy grandsire} . “_[0-her] [You]_0-her mean — [[my]_0-her mother]_{1264-my mother} ? ” It was the first time that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had ever said the word . [Her]_{104-folle‐farine} voice lingered on the word , as though loth to leave its unfamiliar sweetness . [He]_{3839-thy grandsire} lay and looked at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , motionless , impatient , lifeless ; save only for the bleak and bloodshot stare of the stony eyes . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} thought that [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} had heard ; but [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} made no sign in answer . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} sank down on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} knees beside [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} bed , and put [her]_{104-folle‐farine} lips close to [him]_{3839-thy grandsire} . “_[0-her] Try and speak to [me]_0-her of [[my]_0-her mother]_{1264-my mother} — once — once , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} murmured , with a pathetic longing in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} voice . A shudder shook [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} frozen limbs . [He]_{3839-thy grandsire} made no answer , [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} only glared on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with a terrible stare that might be horror , repentance , grief , memory , fear — [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could not tell . [Old Pitchou]_147-pitchou stretched [her]_147-pitchou head from the corner , as a hooded snake from its hole . “_{[1264-my mother]} Ask where the money is hid , ” [she]_147-pitchou hissed in a shrill whisper . “_{[1264-my mother]} Ask — ask — while [he]_3851-he can yet understand . ” [He]_{3839-thy grandsire} understood , for a smile grim and horrible disturbed [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} tight lips a moment . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} did not hear . “_{[1264-my mother]} Tell [me]_0-her of [my]_0-her mother;—tell [me]_0-her , tell [me]_0-her , ” [she]_0-her muttered . Since a human love had been born in [her]_0-her heart , [she]_0-her had thought often of [that mother whose eyes had never looked on [her]_0-her , and whose arms had never held [her]_0-her]_{7426-that mother whose eyes had never looked on her , and whose arms had never held her} . [His]_{3839-thy grandsire} face changed , but [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} did not speak ; [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} gasped for breath , and lay silent ; [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} eyes troubled and confused ; it might be that in that moment remorse was with [him]_{3839-thy grandsire} , and there arose the vain regrets of cruel years . It might be that dying thus , [he]_{3839-thy grandsire} knew that from [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} hearth , as from hell , [mother]_6422-mother and [child]_1265-child had both been driven whilst [his]_{3839-thy grandsire} lips had talked of [God]_118-god . A little bell rang softly in [the orchard below the casement]_{7429-the orchard below the casement} ; the clear voice of [a young boy singing a canticle]_{7430-a young boy singing a canticle} crossed the voice of the linnet ; there was a gleam of silver in the sun . [The Church]_{331-the church} bore [its]_{331-the church} Host to [the dying man]_{7432-the dying man} . [They]_7433-they turned [her]_0-her from [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} . The eyes of one unsanctified might not gaze upon the mysteries of the blest . [She]_0-her went out without resistance ; [she]_0-her was oppressed and stupefied ; [she]_0-her went to the stairs , and there sat down again , resting [her]_0-her forehead on [her]_0-her hands . The door of [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} was a little open , and [she]_0-her could hear the murmurs of [the priest]_{5122-the priest} ’s words , and smell the odours of the sacred chrism . A great bitterness came on [her]_0-her mouth . “_[0-her] One crust in love — to [the poor]_{5743-the poor} — in the deadly winters , had been better worth than all this oil and prayer , ” [she]_0-her thought . And [she]_0-her could see nothing but the old famished face of [Manon]_{148-manon dax} Dax in the snow and the moonlight , as [the old woman]_{334-the old woman} had muttered , “_[118-god] [God]_118-god is good . ” [The offices of [the Church]_{331-the church}]_{7438-the offices of the church} ceased ; there reigned an intense stillness ; a stillness as of cold . Suddenly the voice of [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} rang out loud and shrill . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her loved [her]_3853-her ! Oh Heaven ! [Thou]_3854-thou knowest ! ” [She]_0-her rose and looked through the space of the open door into the death‐chamber . [He]_3855-his had sprung half erect , and with [his]_3855-his arms outstretched , gazed at the gladness and the brightness of the day . In [his]_3855-his eyes there was a mortal agony , a passion of reproach . With one last supreme effort , [he]_3855-his raised the crucifix which [the priests]_{514-the priests} had laid upon [his]_3855-his bare anointed breast , and held it aloft , and shook it , and spat on it , and cast it forth from [him]_3855-his broken on the ground . Even [Thou]_7441-thou art a lie ! ”_[3855-his] [he]_3855-his cried — it was the cry of the soul leaving the body,—with the next moment [he]_3855-his fell back — dead . In that one cry [his]_3855-his heat had spoken ; the cold , hard heart that yet had shut one great love and one great faith in it , and losing these , had withered and shown no wound . For what agony had been like unto [his]_3855-his ? Since who could render [him]_3855-his back on [earth]_5276-earth , or in the grave , [that pure white soul [he]_3855-his had believed in]_{3857-that pure white soul he had believed in} ? Yea — who ? Not [man]_4882-man ; not even [God]_118-god . Therefore , had [he]_3855-his suffered without hope . [She]_3859-her went away from [the house]_{323-the house} and down the stairs , and out into [the ruddy noon]_{3861-the ruddy noon} . [She]_3859-her took [her]_3859-her way by instinct to [the orchard]_{1190-the orchard} , and there sat down upon a moss‐grown stone within the shadow of the leaves . All sense was deadened in [her]_3859-her under a deep unutterable pity . From where [she]_3859-her sat [she]_3859-her could see the lattice window , and the gabled end of [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} , where the linnet sang , and the yellow fruit of the pear‐tree swung . All about was the drowsy hot weather of the fruit harvest ; the murmur of bees ; the sweep of the boughs in the water . Never , in all the years that [they]_3864-they had dwelt together beneath one roof , had any good word or fair glance been given [her]_3859-her ; [he]_3855-his had nourished [her]_3859-her on bitterness , and for [his]_3855-his wage paid [her]_3859-her a curse . Yet [her]_3859-her heart was sore for [him]_3855-his ; and judged [him]_3855-his without hatred . All things seemed clear to [her]_3859-her , now that a human love had reached [her]_3859-her ; and [this man]_{1234-this man} also , having loved greatly and been betrayed , became sanctified in [her]_3859-her sight . [She]_3859-her forgot [his]_3855-his brutality , [his]_3855-his avarice , [his]_3855-his hatred ; [she]_3859-her remembered only that [he]_3855-his had loved , and [I]_0-her [his]_3855-his love been fooled , and so had lost [his]_3855-his faith in [God]_118-god and [man]_4882-man , and had thus staggered wretchedly down the darkness of [his]_3855-his life , hating [himself]_3855-his and every other , and hurting every other human thing that touched [him]_3855-his , and crying ever in [his]_3855-his blindness , “ [O Lord]_{7442-o lord} , [I]_4882-man believe , help [thou]_7443-thou mine unbelief ! ”_[4882-man] And now [he]_3855-his was dead . What did it matter ? Whether [any soul of [his]_3855-his]_{3867-any soul of his} lived again , or whether body and mind both died for ever , what would it benefit [all those whom [he]_3855-his had slain?—the little fair birds , poisoned in [their]_3869-their song]_{3868-all those whom he had slain?—the little fair birds , poisoned in their song} ; [the little sickly children]_{3870-the little sickly children} , starved in the long winters ; [the miserable women]_{3871-the miserable women} , hunted to [their]_{3871-the miserable women} grave for some small debt of fuel or bread ; [the wretched poor]_{3872-the wretched poor} , mocked in [their]_{3872-the wretched poor} famine by [his]_3855-his greed and gain ? It had been woe for [him]_3855-his that [his]_3855-his love had wronged [him]_3855-his , and turned the hard excellence of [his]_3855-his life to stone : but none the less had it been woe to [them]_3873-them to fall and perish , because [his]_3855-his hand would never spare , [his]_3855-his heart would never soften . [Her]_3874-she heart was sick with the cold , bitter , and inexorable law , which had let [this man]_{1234-this man} drag out [his]_3855-his seventy years , cursing and being cursed ; and lose all things for a dream of [God]_118-god ; and then at the last , upon [his]_3855-his death‐bed , know the dream likewise to be false . “ It is so cruel ! It is so cruel ! ”_[3874-she] [she]_3874-she muttered , where [she]_3874-she sat with dry eyes in the shade of the leaves , looking at that window where death was . And [she]_3874-she had reason . For there is nothing so cruel in life as a Faith;—the Faith , whatever its name may be , that draws [a man]_{4875-a man} on all [his]_{4875-a man} years through on one narrow path , by one tremulous light , and then at the last , with a laugh — drowns [him]_{4875-a man} . THE summer day went by . [No one]_{264-no one} sought [her]_3874-she . [She]_3874-she did not leave [the precincts of [the still mill‐gardens]_{3879-the still mill‐gardens}]_{3878-the precincts of the still mill‐gardens} ; a sort of secresy and stillness seemed to bind [her]_3874-she footsteps there , and [she]_3874-she dreaded to venture forth , lest [she]_3874-she should meet the eyes of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . [The notary]_{1558-the notary} had put seals upon all the cupboards and desks . [Two hired watchers]_{3881-two hired watchers} sat in [the little darkened room]_{3882-the little darkened room} above . Some tapers burned beside [his]_3855-his bed . The great clock ticked heavily . All [the house]_{323-the house} was closed . Without burned the great roses of the late summer , and the scorch of a cloudless sun . The wheels of [the mill]_{281-the mill} stood still . [People]_476-people came and went ; [many women amongst [them]_476-people]_{3886-many women amongst them} . The death of [the miller of [Yprès]_11-yprès]_{479-the miller of yprès} was a shock to [all [his]_{479-the miller of yprès} countryside]_{3888-all his countryside} . There was scarce a face that did not lighten , as [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} going to [their]_{703-the peasants} labour , met [one another]_{700-one another} in [the mellow fields]_{3891-the mellow fields} , and called across , “ Hast heard ? [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} is dead — at last . ”_{[700-one another]} [No woman]_{1187-no woman} came across [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} with a little candle , and kneeled down by [his]_3855-his body , and wept and blessed the stiff and withered hands for the good that [they]_{703-the peasants} had wrought , and for the gifts that [they]_{703-the peasants} had given . The hot day‐hours stole slowly by ; all was noiseless there where [she]_{1187-no woman} sat , lost in the stupefied pain of [her]_{1187-no woman} thoughts , : in the deep shadow of the leaves , where the first breath of the Autumn had gilded them and varied them , here and there , with streaks of red . [No one]_{264-no one} saw [her]_{1187-no woman} ; [no one]_{264-no one} remembered [her]_{1187-no woman} , [no one]_{264-no one} came to [her]_{1187-no woman} . [She]_{1187-no woman} was left in peace , such peace as is the lot of [those for whose sigh no human ear is open , for whose need no human hand is stretched]_{3897-those for whose sigh no human ear is open , for whose need no human hand is stretched} . Once indeed , at noonday , [the old serving‐woman]_{3898-the old serving‐woman} sought [her]_{1187-no woman} , and forced on [her]_{1187-no woman} some simple meal of crusts and eggs . “ For who can tell ? ”_{[3899-the shrewd old norman crone]} [the shrewd old Norman crone]_{3899-the shrewd old norman crone} thought to [herself]_{3899-the shrewd old norman crone} , “ who can tell ? [She]_{1187-no woman} may get all the treasure : who knows ? And if so , it will be best to have been a little good to [her]_{1187-no woman} this day , and to seem as if [one]_1305-one had forgiven about the chain of coins . ”_{[3899-the shrewd old norman crone]} For [Pitchou]_147-pitchou , like [the world]_{268-the world} at large , would pardon [offences]_{3901-offences} , if for pardon [she]_147-pitchou saw a sure profit in gold . “ Whom will [he]_{638-the old peasant} have left all the wealth to , think [you]_{1187-no woman} , ”_{[638-the old peasant]} [the old peasant]_{638-the old peasant} muttered , with a cunning glitter in [her]_{638-the old peasant} sunken eyes , standing by [her]_{1187-no woman} at noon , in the solitude , where [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} touched the mill‐stream . “ The wealth , whose wealth ? ”_{[638-the old peasant]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} echoed the word stupidly . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had had no thought of the hoarded savings of that long life of theft and of oppression . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had had no remembrance of any possible inheritance which might accrue to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} by this sudden death . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had been too long [[his]_3904-he goaded and galled slave]_{3905-his goaded and galled slave} to be able to imagine [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} [[his]_3904-he heir]_{381-his heir} . “ Aye , [his]_3904-he wealth , ”_{[633-the woman]} answered [the woman]_{633-the woman} , standing against the water with [her]_{633-the woman} wooden shoes deep in dock‐leaves and grass , gazing , with a curious eager grasping greed in [her]_{633-the woman} eyes , at the creature whom [she]_{633-the woman} always done [her]_{633-the woman} best to thwart , to hurt , to starve , and to slander . “ Aye , [his]_3904-he wealth . [You]_{633-the woman} , who look so sharp after [your]_{633-the woman} bits of heathen coins , can not for sure pretend to forget the value [he]_3904-he must have laid by , living as [he]_3904-he lived all the days from [his]_3904-he youth upward . There must be a rare mass of gold hid away somewhere or another — [the notary]_{1558-the notary} knows , [I]_{633-the woman} suppose — it is all in [the place]_{342-the place} , that [I]_{633-the woman} am sure . [He]_3904-he was too wise ever to trust money far from [home]_497-home ; [he]_3904-he knew well it was a gad‐about , that once [you]_{633-the woman} part with never comes back to [you]_{633-the woman} . It must be all in [the secret places]_{7448-the secret places} ; in [the thatch]_{7449-the thatch} , under the hearthstone , in the rafters , under the bricks . And , maybe , there will be quite a fortune . [He]_3904-he made so much , and [he]_3904-he lived so near . Where think [you]_{633-the woman} it will go ? ”_{[633-the woman]} A faint bitter smile flickered a moment over [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ’s mouth . “ It should go to [the poor]_{5743-the poor} . It belongs to [them]_{5743-the poor} . It was all coined out of [their]_{5743-the poor} hearts and [their]_{5743-the poor} bodies . ”_{[633-the woman]} “ [They]_{5743-the poor} [you]_{633-the woman} have no hope for [yourself:—you]_{633-the woman} ? ”_{[633-the woman]} “ [I]_3908-her ? ”_[3908-her] [She]_3908-her muttered the word dreamily ; and raised [her]_3908-her aching eyelids , and stared in stupefaction at the old , haggard , dark , ravenous face of [Pitchou]_147-pitchou . “ [Pshaw]_230-pshaw ! [You]_230-pshaw can not cheat [me]_{633-the woman} that way , ”_{[633-the woman]} said [the woman]_{633-the woman} , moving away through the orchard‐branches , muttering to [herself]_{633-the woman} . “ As if a thing of hell like [you]_230-pshaw ever served like [a slave]_{5533-a slave} all these years , on any other hope , than the hope of the gold ! Well,—as for [me]_3908-her , [I]_3908-her never pretend to lie in that fashion . If it had not been for the hope of a share in the gold , [I]_3908-her would never have eaten for seventeen years the old wretch ’s mouldy crusts and lentil‐washings . ”_[3908-her] [She]_3908-her hobbled , grumbling on [her]_3908-her way back to [the house]_{323-the house} , through the russet shadows and the glowing gold of [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} sat by [the water]_{265-the water} , musing on the future which had opened to [her]_3908-her with [the woman]_{633-the woman} ’s words of greed . Before another day had sped , it was possible,—so even said one who hated [her]_3908-her , and begrudged [her]_3908-her every bit and drop that [she]_3908-her had taken at [[the miser]_{5818-the miser} ’s board]_{3915-the miser ’s board} — possible that [she]_3908-her would enter into the heritage of all that this long life spent in rapacious greed and gain , had gathered together . One night earlier , [paradise]_{3916-paradise} [itself]_{3916-paradise} would have seemed to open before [her]_3908-her with such a hope ; for [she]_3908-her would have hastened to the feet of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , and there poured all treasure that chance might have given [her]_3908-her , and would have cried out of the fulness of [her]_3908-her heart , “ Take , enjoy , be free do as [you]_172-arslàn will . So that [you]_172-arslàn make the world of [men]_364-men own [your]_172-arslàn greatness , [I]_3908-her will live as [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} all the years of [my]_3908-her life , and think [myself]_3908-her richer than [kings]_5162-kings ! ”_[3908-her] But now , what use would it be , though [she]_3908-her were called to [an empire]_{3917-an empire} ? [She]_3908-her would not dare to say to [him]_3918-his , as a day earlier [she]_3908-her would have said with [her]_3908-her first breath , “ All that is [mine]_3908-her , is thine . ”_[3908-her] [She]_3908-her would not even dare to give [him]_3918-his all and creep away unseen , unthanked , unhonoured into obscurity and oblivion , for had [he]_3918-his not said , “ [You]_3908-her have no right to burden [me]_3918-his with debt . ”_[3918-his] Yet as [she]_3908-her sat there lonely amongst the grasses , with the great mill‐wheels at rest in the water and the swallows skimming the surface , that was freed from the churn and the foam of the wheels as though the day of [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} ’s death had been [a saint]_{4870-a saint} ’s day , the fancy which had been set so suddenly before [her]_3908-her , dazzled [her]_3908-her , and [her]_3908-her aching brain and [her]_3908-her sick despair , could not choose but play with it despite themselves . If the fortune of [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} came to [her]_3908-her , it might be pos‐ sible , [she]_3908-her thought , to spend it so as to release [him]_3918-his from [his]_3918-his bondage , without knowledge of [his]_3918-his own ; so to fashion with it [a golden temple]_{3920-a golden temple} and a golden throne for the works of [his]_3918-his hand , that [the world]_{268-the world} , which as [they]_3922-they all said worshipped gold , should be forced to gaze in homage on the creations of [his]_3918-his mind and hand . And yet [he]_3918-his had said greater shame there could come to [no man]_{392-no man} , than to rise by the aid of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . The apple of life , however sweet and fair in its colour and savour , would be as poison in [his]_3918-his mouth if [her]_3908-her hand held it . That [she]_3908-her knew , and in the humility of [her]_3908-her great and reverent love , [she]_3908-her submitted without question to its cruelty . At night , [she]_3908-her went within to break [her]_3908-her fast , and try to rest a little . [The old peasant woman]_{3925-the old peasant woman} served [her]_3908-her silently , and for the first time willingly . “ Who can say ? ”_{[3926-the norman]} [the Norman]_{3926-the norman} thought to [herself]_{3926-the norman} , “ Who can say ? [She]_{3925-the old peasant woman} may yet get it all , who knows ? ”_{[3926-the norman]} At night as [she]_3908-her slept , [Pitchou]_147-pitchou peered at [her]_3908-her , shading the light from [her]_3908-her eyes . “ If only [I]_3908-her could know who gets the gold ? ”_[3908-her] [she]_3908-her muttered . [Her]_3908-her sole thought was the money ; the money that [the notary]_{1558-the notary} held under [his]_{1558-the notary} lock and seal . [She]_3908-her wished now that [she]_3908-her had dealt better with [the girl]_{5116-the girl} sometimes ; it would have been safer , and it could have done no harm . With earliest dawn [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} fled again to [the refuge of [the wood]_{545-the wood}]_{3929-the refuge of the wood} . [She]_3908-her shunned , with the terror of [a hunted doe]_{3931-a hunted doe} , the sight of [people]_476-people coming and going , [the priests and the gossips , the sights and the sounds]_{3933-the priests and the gossips , the sights and the sounds} , and [none]_498-none sought [her]_3908-her . All the day through [she]_3908-her wandered in the cool dewy orchard ways . Beyond the walls of [the foilage]_{3935-the foilage} , [she]_3908-her saw the shrouded window , the flash of the crucifix , the throngs of [the mourners]_{3936-the mourners} , the glisten of the white robes . [She]_3908-her heard the deep sonorous swelling of the chants ; [she]_3908-her saw [the little precession]_{3937-the little precession} come out from the doorway and cross [the old wooden bridge]_{3938-the old wooden bridge} , and go slowly through the sunlight of [the meadows]_{5098-the meadows} . [Many of [the people]_{4948-the people}]_{3940-many of the people} followed , singing , and bearing tapers ; for [he]_3942-he who was dead had stood well with [the Church]_{331-the church} , and from such there still issues for the living a fair savour . [No one]_{264-no one} came to [her]_3908-her . What had [they]_{4948-the people} to do with [her]_3908-her ? [a creature unbaptised]_{3945-a creature unbaptised} , and [an outcast]_{5498-an outcast} ? [She]_3908-her watched the little line fade away , over the green and golden glory of [the fields]_{316-the fields} . [She]_3908-her did not think of [herself]_3908-her — since [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had looked at [her]_3908-her , in [his]_172-arslàn merciless scorn , [she]_3908-her had had neither past nor future . It did not even occur to [her]_3908-her , that [[her]_3908-her home]_{5555-her home} would be in [this place]_{2743-this place} no longer ; it was as natural to [her]_3908-her , as [its]_{5555-her home} burrow to the cony , [its]_{5555-her home} hole to the fox . It did not occur to [her]_3908-her , that the death of [this [her]_3908-her tyrant]_{3950-this her tyrant} could not but make some sudden and startling change in all [her]_3908-her ways and fortune . [She]_3908-her waited in [the woods]_{344-the woods} all day ; it was so strange a sense to [her]_3908-her to be free of the bitter bondage that had lain on [her]_3908-her life so long ; [she]_3908-her could not at once arise and understand the meaning of [her]_3908-her freedom ; [she]_3908-her was like [a captive soldier]_{3952-a captive soldier} , who had dragged the cannon‐ball so long , that when it is loosened from [his]_{3952-a captive soldier} limb , the limb feels strange , and [his]_{3952-a captive soldier} step sounds uncompanioned . [She]_3908-her was thankful , too , for the tortured beasts , and the hunted birds ; [she]_3908-her fed [them]_3953-them , and looked in [their]_3953-them gentle eyes , and told [them]_3953-them that [they]_3953-them were free . But in [her]_3908-her own heart one vain wish only ached — [she]_3908-her thought — “ If only [I]_3908-her might die for [him;—as]_{7455-him;—as} the reed for [the god]_{6183-the god} ! ”_[3908-her] [The people]_{4948-the people} returned , and then after awhile all went forth again ; [they]_{4948-the people} and [[their]_{4948-the people} priests]_{5404-their priests} with [them]_{4948-the people} . [The place]_{342-the place} was left alone . The old solitude reigned ; the sound of the wood‐dove only filled the quiet . The day grew on ; in [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} it was already twilight , whilst on [the waters]_{373-the waters} and in [the open lands farther away]_{3959-the open lands farther away} the sun was bright . There was [a wicket close by under the boughs]_{3960-a wicket close by under the boughs} : a bridle‐path ran by , moss‐grown , and little used , but leading from [the public road beyond]_{3961-the public road beyond} . From the gleam of the twisted fruit trees a low flute‐like noise came to [her]_3908-her ear in the shadow of the solitude . “ Folle‐Farine,—I go on [your]_3908-her errand . If [you]_3908-her repent there is time yet to stay [me]_3908-her . Say — do [you]_3908-her bid [me]_3908-her still set [your]_3908-her Norse‐god free from [the Cave of [the Snakes]_{82-the snakes}]_{7457-the cave of the snakes} ? ”_[3908-her] [She]_3908-her , startled , looked up into the roofing of the thick foilage ; [she]_3908-her saw shining on [her]_3908-her with a quiet smile the eyes which [she]_3908-her had likened to the eyes of [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} . [They]_3962-they scanned [her]_3908-her gravely and curiously : [they]_3962-they noted the change in [her]_3908-her since the last sun had set . “ What did [he]_{335-the old man} say to [you]_3908-her for [your]_3908-her gold ? ”_{[335-the old man]} [the old man]_{335-the old man} asked . [She]_3908-her was silent ; the blood of an intolerable shame burned in [her]_3908-her face ; [she]_3908-her had not thought that [she]_3908-her had betrayed [her]_3908-her motive in seeking a price for [her]_3908-her chain of coins . [He]_{335-the old man} laughed a little softly . “ Ah ! [You]_3908-her fancied [I]_{335-the old man} did not know [your]_3908-her design when [you]_3908-her came so bravely to sell [[your]_3908-her Moorish dancing‐gear]_{7458-your moorish dancing‐gear} . Oh , Folle‐Farine!—female things , with eyes like [yours]_3908-her , must never hope to keep a secret ? ”_{[335-the old man]} [She]_3908-her never answered ; [she]_3908-her had risen and stood rooted to the ground , [her]_3908-her head hung down , [her]_3908-her breast heaving , the blood coming and going in [her]_3908-her intolerable pain , as though [she]_3908-her flushed and frozen under [a surgeon]_{3331-a surgeon} ’s probe . “ What did [he]_{335-the old man} say to [you]_3908-her ? ”_{[3965-her questioner]} pursued [[her]_3908-her questioner]_{3965-her questioner} . “ There should be but one language possible from [a man of [his]_{335-the old man} years]_{7459-a man of his years} to [a woman of yours]_{7460-a woman of yours} . ”_{[3965-her questioner]} [She]_3908-her lifted [her]_3908-her eyes and spoke at last . “ [He]_{335-the old man} said that [I]_3908-her did [him]_{335-the old man} a foul shame : the gold lies in the sands of [the river]_{356-the river} . ”_[3908-her] [She]_3908-her was strong to speak the truth inflexibly to the full ; for its degradation to [herself]_3908-her [she]_3908-her knew was honour to [the absent]_{3966-the absent} . It showed [him]_{3965-her questioner} strong and cold and untempted , preferring famine and neglect and misery to any debt or burden of a service done . [The old man , leaning on the wooden bar of the gate amongst the leaves]_{3967-the old man , leaning on the wooden bar of the gate amongst the leaves} , looked at [her]_3908-her long and thoughtfully . “ [He]_{335-the old man} would not take [your]_3908-her poor little pieces ? [You]_{335-the old man} mean that ? ”_[3908-her] [She]_3908-her gave a sign of assent . “ That was a poor reward to [you]_3908-her , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ! ”_[3908-her] [Her]_3908-her lips grew white and shut together . “ [Mine]_3908-her was the fault , ”_[3908-her] [she]_3908-her muttered—“the folly . [He]_{335-the old man} was right , no doubt . ”_{[3967-the old man , leaning on the wooden bar of the gate amongst the leaves]} “ [You]_3908-her are very loyal . [I]_3908-her think [[your]_3908-her Northern god]_{7462-your northern god} was only thus cold because [your]_3908-her gift was such a little one , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ”_[3908-her] A strong light flashed on [him]_{3965-her questioner} from [her]_3908-her eyes . “ It would have been the same if [I]_3908-her had offered [him]_{335-the old man} an empire . ”_[3908-her] “ [You]_3908-her are so sure ? Does [he]_{335-the old man} hate [you]_3908-her then — [this god of [yours]_3908-her]_{7463-this god of yours} ? ”_[3908-her] [She]_3908-her quivered from head to foot ; but [her]_3908-her courage would not yield , [her]_3908-her faith would not be turned . “ Need [a man]_{4875-a man} hate the dust under [his]_{4875-a man} foot ? ”_[3908-her] [she]_3908-her muttered in [her]_3908-her teeth ; “ Because it is a thing too lowly for [him]_{4875-a man} to think of as [he]_{4875-a man} walks . ”_[3908-her] “ [You]_{335-the old man} are very truthful . ”_[3908-her] [She]_3908-her was silent ; standing there in the shadow of [the great mill‐timbers]_{3968-the great mill‐timbers} . [The old man]_{335-the old man} watched [her]_3908-her with calm approving eyes , as [he]_{335-the old man} might have watched a statue of bronze . [He]_{335-the old man} was [a great man]_{3970-a great man} , [a man of much wealth , of wide power , of boundless self‐indulgence , of a keen serene wisdom]_{3971-a man of much wealth , of wide power , of boundless self‐indulgence , of a keen serene wisdom} , which made [his]_{335-the old man} passions docile ministers to [his]_{335-the old man} pleasure , and never allowed [them]_3972-them any mastery over [himself]_{335-the old man} . [He]_{335-the old man} was studying the shape of [her]_3908-her limbs , the hues of [her]_3908-her skin , the lofty slender stature of [her]_3908-her form , and the cloud of [her]_3908-her hair that was like the golden gleaming mane of a young desert mare . “ All these in [Paris]_10-paris , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} was thinking . “ Just as [she]_3908-her is , with just the same bare feet and limbs , the same untrammelled gait , the same flash of scarlet round [her]_3908-her loins , only to the linen tunic a hem of gold , and on the breast a flame of opals . [Paris]_10-paris would say that even [I]_{335-the old man} had never in [my]_{335-the old man} many years done better . [The poor barbarian]_{7465-the poor barbarian} ! [she]_3908-her sells [her]_3908-her little brazen sequins , and thinks them [her]_3908-her only treasure , whilst [she]_3908-her has all that ! Is [Arslàn]_172-arslàn blind , or is [he]_172-arslàn only tired ? ”_{[335-the old man]} But [he]_{335-the old man} spake none of [his]_{335-the old man} thoughts aloud . [He]_{335-the old man} was too wary to scare the prey [he]_{335-the old man} meant to secure with any screams of the sped arrow , or any sight of [the curled lasso]_{3973-the curled lasso} . “ Well , ”_{[335-the old man]} [he]_{335-the old man} said , simply , “ [I]_{335-the old man} understand ; [[your]_3974-your eagle]_{7466-your eagle} , in recompense for [your]_3974-your endeavours to set [him]_172-arslàn free , only tears [your]_3974-your heart with [his]_172-arslàn talons ? It is the way of eagles . [He]_172-arslàn has wounded [you]_3974-your sorely . And the wound will bleed many a day . ”_{[335-the old man]} [She]_3974-your lifted [her]_3974-your head . “ Have [I]_3974-your complained?—have [I]_3974-your asked [your]_{335-the old man} pity , or [any man]_{4852-any man} ’s ? ”_[3974-your] “ Oh , no , [you]_{335-the old man} are very strong ! So is [a lioness]_{7468-a lioness} ; but [she]_{7468-a lioness} dies of [a man]_{4875-a man} ’s wound sometimes . [He]_172-arslàn has been very base to [you]_3974-your . ”_{[335-the old man]} “ [He]_172-arslàn has done as [he]_172-arslàn thought it right to do . Who shall lay blame on [him]_172-arslàn for that ? ”_{[335-the old man]} “ [Your]_{335-the old man} loyalty says so ; [you]_{335-the old man} are very brave , no doubt . But tell [me]_3974-your , do [you]_{335-the old man} still wish [this man]_{1234-this man} , who wounds [you]_{335-the old man} so cruelly , set free ? ”_[3974-your] “ Yes . ”_{[335-the old man]} “ What , still ? ”_{[335-the old man]} “ Why not ? ”_{[335-the old man]} “ Why not ? Only this : that once [he]_172-arslàn is let loose [your]_{335-the old man} very memory will be shaken from [his]_172-arslàn thoughts as the dust of the summer , to which [you]_{335-the old man} liken [yourself]_{335-the old man} , is shaken from [his]_172-arslàn feet ! ”_{[335-the old man]} “ No doubt . ”_[3975-you] [She]_3975-you thought [she]_3975-you did not let [him]_3976-him see the agony [he]_3976-him dealt [her]_3975-you ; [she]_3975-you stood unflinching , [her]_3975-you hands crossed upon [her]_3975-you breast , [her]_3975-you head drooped , [her]_3975-you eyes looking far from [him]_3976-him to where the fading sunlight gleamed still upon the reaches of [the river]_{356-the river} . “ No doubt , ”_[3976-him] [he]_3976-him echoed . “ And yet [I]_3976-him think [you]_3975-you hardly understand . [This man]_{1234-this man} is [a great artist]_{7472-a great artist} . [He]_{1234-this man} has a great destiny , if [he]_{1234-this man} once can gain the eye and the ear of [the world]_{268-the world} . [The world]_{268-the world} will fear [him]_{1234-this man} , and curse [him]_{1234-this man} always ; [he]_{1234-this man} is very merciless to it ; but if [he]_{1234-this man} once conquer fame , that fame will be one to last as long as [the earth]_{288-the earth} lasts . That [I]_3976-him believe . Well , give [this man]_{1234-this man} what [he]_{1234-this man} longs for and strives for , a life in [his]_{1234-this man} fame which shall not die so long as [men]_364-men have breath to speak of art . What will [you]_3975-you be in that great drunken dream of [his]_{1234-this man} , if once [we]_7478-we make it true for [him]_{1234-this man} ? Not even a remembrance , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . For though [you]_3975-you have fancied that [you]_3975-you , by [your]_3975-you beauty , would at least abide upon [his]_{1234-this man} canvas , and so go on to immortality with [his]_{1234-this man} words and name , [you]_3975-you seem not to know that so much also will do [any mime who lets [herself]_7480-her for hire on [a tavern stage]_{7481-a tavern stage} , or any starveling who makes [her]_7480-her daily bread by giving [her]_7480-her face and form to [a painter]_{7077-a painter} ’s gaze]_{7479-any mime who lets herself for hire on a tavern stage , or any starveling who makes her daily bread by giving her face and form to a painter ’s gaze} . [Child]_1265-child ! what [you]_3975-you have thought noble , [men]_364-men and [women]_365-women have decreed one of the vilest means by which [a creature]_{7486-a creature} traffics in [her]_{7486-a creature} charms . The first lithe‐limbed model that [he]_{1234-this man} finds in [the cities]_{1111-the cities} will displace [you]_3975-you on [his]_{1234-this man} canvas and in [his]_{1234-this man} memory . Shall [he]_{1234-this man} go free — to forget [you]_3975-you ? ”_[3976-him] [She]_3978-her listened dumbly ; [her]_3978-her attitude unchanging , as [she]_3978-her had stood in other days , under the shadow of the boughs , to receive the stripes of [[her]_3978-her master]_{640-her master} . “ [He]_{1234-this man} shall be free — to forget [me]_3978-her . ”_[3978-her] The words were barely audible , but they were inflexible , as they were echoed through [her]_3978-her locked teeth . The eyes of [[her]_3978-her tormentor]_{3980-her tormentor} watched [her]_3978-her with a wondering admiration ; yet [he]_{3980-her tormentor} could not resist the pleasure of an added cruelty , as [the men of the torture‐chambers of old]_{3981-the men of the torture‐chambers of old} strained once more the fair fettered from of [a female captive]_{3982-a female captive} , that [they]_{3981-the men of the torture‐chambers of old} might see a little longer those bright limbs quiver , and those bare nerves heave . “ Well ; be it so if [you]_3975-you will it . Only think long enough . For strong though [you]_3975-you are , [you]_3975-you are also weak ; for [you]_3975-you are of [[your]_3975-you mother]_{7488-your mother} ’s sex , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [You]_3975-you may repent . Think well . [You]_3975-you are no more to [him]_{1234-this man} than [[your]_3975-you eponymus]_{7489-your eponymus} , [the mill‐dust]_{7490-the mill‐dust} . [You]_3975-you have said so to [yourself]_3975-you . But [you]_3975-you are beautiful in [your]_3975-you barbarism ; and here [you]_3975-you are always near [him]_{1234-this man} ; and with [a man who has no gold to give]_{7491-a man who has no gold to give} , [a woman]_{4876-a woman} need have [few rivals to fear]_{7493-few rivals to fear} . If [his]_{1234-this man} heart eat itself out here in solitude , soon or late , [he]_{1234-this man} will be [yours]_3975-you , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [A man]_{4875-a man} , be [he]_{4875-a man} what [he]_{4875-a man} will , can not live long without some love , more or less , for [some woman]_{7495-some woman} . A little while , and [[your]_3975-you Norse‐god]_{7496-your norse‐god} alone here , disappointed , embittered , friendless , galled by poverty , and powerless to escape , will turn to [you]_3975-you , and find a sweetness on [your]_3975-you lips , a balm in [your]_3975-you embrace , an opium draught for an hour , at least , in that wonderful beauty of [yours]_3975-you . [A woman who is beautiful , and who has youth , and who has passion , need never fail to make a love‐light beam in the eyes of a man]_{7497-a woman who is beautiful , and who has youth , and who has passion , need never fail to make a love‐light beam in the eyes of a man} , if only [she]_{4876-a woman} know how to wait , if only [she]_{4876-a woman} be the sole blossom that grows in [his]_{1234-this man} pathway , the sole fruit within the reach of [his]_{1234-this man} hands . Keep [him]_{1234-this man} here , and soon or late , out of sheer despair of any other paradise , [he]_{1234-this man} will make [his]_{1234-this man} paradise in [your]_3975-you breast . Do [you]_3975-you doubt ? [Child]_231-child , [I]_3983-his have known [the world]_{268-the world} many years , but this one thing [I]_3983-his have ever known to be stronger than any strength [a man]_{4875-a man} can bring against it to withstand it — this one thing which fate has given [you]_3975-you , the bodily beauty of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . ”_[3983-his] [His]_3983-his voice ceased softly in the twilight — this voice of Mephistopheles — which tempted [her]_3984-her but for the sheer sole pleasure of straining this strength to see if it should break — of deriding this faith to see if it would bend — of alluring this soul to see if it would fall . [She]_3984-her stood abased in a piteous shame — the shame that [any man]_{4852-any man} should thus read [her]_3984-her heart,—which seemed to burn and wither up all liberty , all innocence , all pride in [her]_3984-her , and leave [her]_3984-her a thing too utterly debased to bear the gaze of any human eyes , to bear the light of any noonday sun . And yet the terrible sweetness of the words tempted [her]_3984-her with such subtle force : the passions of [a fierce , amorous race]_{3986-a fierce , amorous race} ran in [her]_3984-her blood,—the ardour and the liberty of [an outlawed and sensual people]_{3987-an outlawed and sensual people} were bred with [her]_3984-her flesh and blood,—to have been the passion‐toy of [the man [she]_3984-her loved]_{3988-the man she loved} for one single day,—to have felt for one brief summer night [his]_3983-his arms hold [her]_3984-her and [his]_3983-his kisses answer [hers]_3984-her , [she]_3984-her would have consented to die a hundred deaths in uttermost tortures when the morrow should have dawned , and would have died rejoicing , crying to the last breath , — “ [I]_3983-his have lived : it is enough ! ”_[3983-his] [He]_3983-his might be [hers]_3984-her ! The mere thought , uttered in another ’s voice , thrilled through [her]_3984-her with a tumultuous ecstacy , hot as flame , potent as wine . [He]_3983-his might be [hers]_3984-her — all [her]_3984-her own — each pulse of [his]_3983-his heart echoing [hers]_3984-her , each breath of [his]_3983-his lips spent on [her]_3984-her own . [He]_3983-his might be [hers!—she]_3984-her hid [her]_3984-her face upon [her]_3984-her hands ; a million tongues of fire seemed to curl about [her]_3984-her and lap [her]_3984-her life . The temptation was stronger than [her]_3984-her strength . [She]_3984-her was [a friendless , loveless , nameless thing]_{3989-a friendless , loveless , nameless thing} , and [she]_3984-her had but one idolatry and one passion , and for this joy that [they]_3990-they set to [her]_3984-her lips [she]_3984-her would have given [her]_3984-her body and [her]_3984-her soul . [Her]_3984-her soul — if [the gods]_{1366-the gods} and [man]_4882-man allowed [her]_3984-her one — [her]_3984-her soul and all [her]_3984-her life , mortal and immortal , for one single day of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s love . [Her]_3984-her soul , for ever , to any hell [they]_3990-they would — but [his]_4882-man ? Not for this had [she]_3984-her sold [her]_3984-her life to [the gods]_{1366-the gods} — not for this ; not for the raptures of passion , the trance of the senses , the heaven of self . What [she]_3984-her had sworn to [them]_3990-they , if [they]_3990-they saved [him]_4882-man , was for ever to forget in [him]_4882-man [herself]_3984-her , to suffer dumbly for [him]_4882-man , and , whensoever [they]_3990-they would , in [his]_4882-man stead to die . “ Choose , ”_[4882-man] said the soft wooing voice of [[her]_3984-her tempter]_{3994-her tempter} , while [his]_4882-man gaze smiled on [her]_3984-her through the twilight . “ Shall [he]_4882-man consume [his]_4882-man heart here in solitude till [he]_4882-man loves [you]_3984-her perforce , or shall [he]_4882-man go free amongst [the cities of [men]_364-men]_{7501-the cities of men} , to remember [you]_3984-her no more than [he]_4882-man remembers [the reeds by [the river]_{356-the river}]_{7503-the reeds by the river} ? ”_[4882-man] [The reeds by [the river]_{356-the river}]_{7503-the reeds by the river} . The chance words that [he]_4882-man used , by the mere hazards of speech , cut the bonds of passion which were binding so close about [her]_3984-her . As [the river reed to [the god]_{6183-the god}]_{3997-the river reed to the god} , so [she]_3984-her had thought that [her]_3984-her brief span of life might be to the immortality of [his]_4882-man ; was this the fulfilling of [her]_3984-her faith ? To hold [him]_4882-man here with [his]_4882-man strength in chains , and [his]_4882-man genius perishing in darkness , that [she]_3984-her , [the thing of an hour]_{3999-the thing of an hour} , might know delight in the reluctant love , in the wearied embrace , of [a man]_{4875-a man} heart‐sick and heart‐broken ? [She]_3984-her shook the deadly sweetness of the beguilement off [her]_3984-her as [she]_3984-her would have shaken an asp ’s coils off [her]_3984-her wrist , and rose against it , and was once more strong . “ What have [you]_4882-man to do with [me]_3984-her ? ”_[3984-her] [she]_3984-her muttered , feebly , while the fierce glare of [her]_3984-her eyes burned through the gloom of the leaves . “ Keep [your]_4882-man word ; set [him]_4882-man free . [His]_4882-man freedom let [him]_4882-man use — as [he]_4882-man will . ”_[3984-her] Then , ere [he]_4882-man could arrest [her]_3984-her flight , [she]_3984-her hand plunged into the depths of [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} , and was lost in their flickering shadows . [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} did not seek to pursue [her]_3984-her . [He]_{221-sartorian} turned and went thoughtfully and slowly back by the grass‐grown footpath through [the little wood]_{4002-the little wood} , along by [the river side]_{6818-the river side} , to [the water‐tower]_{4004-the water‐tower} . [His]_{221-sartorian} horses and [[his]_{221-sartorian} people]_{492-his people} waited near , but it suited [him]_{221-sartorian} to go thither on this errand on foot and alone . “ The Red Mouse does not dwell in that soul as yet . That sublime unreason — that grand barbaric madness ! And yet both will fall to gold , as that fruit falls to the touch , ”_{[221-sartorian]} [he]_{221-sartorian} thought , as [he]_{221-sartorian} brushed a ripe yellow pear from the shelter of the reddening leaves , and watched it drop , and crushed it gently with [his]_{221-sartorian} foot , and smiled as [he]_{221-sartorian} saw that though so golden on the rind , and so white and so fragrant in the flesh , at the core was a rotten speck , in which a little black worm was twisting . [He]_{221-sartorian} had shaken it down from idleness ; where [he]_{221-sartorian} left it , crushed in [the public pathway]_{4006-the public pathway} , a swarm of ants and flies soon crawled , and flew , and fought , and fastened , and fed on the fallen purity , which the winds had once tossed up to heaven , and the sun had once kissed into bloom . THROUGH [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} , as [his]_{221-sartorian} footsteps died away , there came a shrill scream on the silence , which only the sighing of [the cushats]_{4008-the cushats} had broken . It was the voice of [the old serving‐woman , who called on [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} name from [the porch]_{1512-the porch}]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} . In the old instinct , born of long obedience , [she]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} drew [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} self wearily through the tangled ways of [the gardens]_{3698-the gardens} and over the threshold of [the house]_{323-the house} . [She]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} had lost all remembrance of [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} ’s death , and of the inheritance of [his]_{221-sartorian} wealth . [She]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} only thought of those great and noble fruits of [a man]_{4875-a man} ’s genius which [she]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} had given up all to save ; [she]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} only thought ceaselessly , in the sickness of [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} heart , “ Will [he]_{221-sartorian} forget?—forget quite — when [he]_{221-sartorian} is free ? ”_{[4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch]} [The peasant standing in the porch with arms a‐kimbo]_{4014-the peasant standing in the porch with arms a‐kimbo} , and the lean cat rubbing ravenous sides against [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} shoes , peered forth from under the rich red leaves of the creepers that shrouded the pointed roof of the door‐way . [Her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} wrinkled face was full of malignity ; [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} toothless mouth smiled ; [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} eyes were full of a greedy triumph . Before [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} was [the shady , quiet , leafy garden]_{4015-the shady , quiet , leafy garden} , with the water running clear beneath the branches ; behind [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} was [the kitchen]_{5817-the kitchen} with [its]_{5817-the kitchen} floor of tiles , [its]_{5817-the kitchen} strings of food , [its]_{5817-the kitchen} wood‐piled hearth , [its]_{5817-the kitchen} crucifix , and its images of [saints]_325-saints . [She]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} looked at the tired limbs of [the creature whom [she]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} had always hated for [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} beauty and [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} youth]_{4018-the creature whom she had always hated for her beauty and her youth} ; at the droop of the proud head , at the pain and the exhaustion which every line of the face and the form spoke so plainly ; at the eyes which burned so strangely as [she]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} came through the grey pure air , and yet had such a look in them of sightlessness and stupor . “ [She]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} has been told , ”_{[3898-the old serving‐woman]} thought [the old serving‐woman]_{3898-the old serving‐woman} . “ [She]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} has been told , and [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} heart breaks for the gold . ”_{[3898-the old serving‐woman]} The thought was sweet to [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} — precious with the preciousness of vengeance . “ Come within , ”_{[4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch]} [she]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} said , with a grim smile about [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} mouth . “ [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} will give [thee]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} a crust and a drink of milk . None shall say [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} can not act like [a Christian]_{7505-a christian} ; and tonight [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} will let [thee]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} rest here in [the loft]_{1420-the loft} , but no longer . With the break of day [thou]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} shalt tramp . [We]_7507-we are [Christians here]_{7508-christians here} . ”_{[4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} looked at [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} with blind eyes , comprehending nothing that [she]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} spoke . “ [You]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} called [me]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} ? ”_{[4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch]} [she]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} asked , the old mechanical formula of servitude coming to [her]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} lips by sheer unconscious instinct . “ Ay , [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} called . [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} would have [thee]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} to know that [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} am [mistress here]_{7509-mistress here} now ; and [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} will have no vile things gad about in the night so long as they eat of [my]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} bread . To‐night [thou]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} shalt rest here , [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} say ; so much will [I]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} do for sake of [[thy]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} mother]_{7510-thy mother} , though [she]_{7510-thy mother} was a foul light o’love ; when [all men]_{5168-all men} deemed [her]_{7510-thy mother} [a saint]_{4870-a saint} ; but to‐morrow [thou]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} shalt tramp . Such hell‐spawn as [thou]_{4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch} art may not lie on a bed of [holy church]_{7513-holy church} . ”_{[4009-the old serving‐woman , who called on her name from the porch]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} gazed at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , confused and still , not comprehending ; scarcely awake to the voice which thus adjured [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; all [her]_{104-folle‐farine} strength spent and bruised , after the struggle of the temptation which had assailed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . “ [You]_{104-folle‐farine} mean , ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} muttered , “ [you]_{104-folle‐farine} mean — What would [you]_{104-folle‐farine} tell [me]_{104-folle‐farine} ? [I]_{104-folle‐farine} do not know . ”_{[104-folle‐farine]} [The familiar place]_{4020-the familiar place} reeled around [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [The saints]_{329-the saints} and [the satyrs on the carved gables]_{4022-the satyrs on the carved gables} grinned on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} horribly . The yellow house‐leek on the roof seemed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} so much gold , which had a tongue , and muttered , “ [You]_{104-folle‐farine} prate of the soul . [I]_147-pitchou alone am the soul of [the world]_{268-the world} . ”_{[147-pitchou]} All the green , shadowy , tranquil ways grew strange to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; the earth shook under [her]_{104-folle‐farine} feet ; the heavens circled around her:—and [Pitchou]_147-pitchou , looking on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , thought that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was stunned by the loss of [the miser]_{5818-the miser} ’s treasure ! [She!—in]_{104-folle‐farine} whose whole burning veins there ran only one passion , in whose crushed brain there was only one thought—“Will [he]_{5818-the miser} forget — forget quite — when [he]_{5818-the miser} is free ? ”_{[334-the old woman]} [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} stretched [her]_{334-the old woman} head forward , and cackled out eager , hissing , tumultuous words . “ Hast [thou]_7515-thou not heard ? No ? Well , see then . [Some]_549-some said [you]_{334-the old woman} should be sent for , but [the priest]_{5122-the priest} and [I]_{334-the old woman} said No . Neither Law nor [Church]_83-church count [the love‐begotten]_{7518-the love‐begotten} . [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} died worth forty thousand francs , set aside all [his]_{115-claudis flamma} land and household things . [God]_118-god rest [his]_{115-claudis flamma} soul ! [He]_{115-claudis flamma} was [a man]_{4875-a man} . [He]_{115-claudis flamma} forgot [my]_{334-the old woman} faithful service , true , but [the good almoner]_{7520-the good almoner} will remember all that to [me]_{334-the old woman} . Forty thousand francs ! What [a man]_{4875-a man} ! And hardly a nettled boiled in oil would [he]_{115-claudis flamma} eat some days together . Where does this money go — eh , eh ? Canst guess ? ”_{[334-the old woman]} “ Go ? ”_{[147-pitchou]} [Pitchou]_147-pitchou watched [her]_147-pitchou grimly , and laughed aloud . “ Ah , ah ! [I]_147-pitchou know . So [you]_{334-the old woman} dared to hope too ? [Oh fool]_{6892-oh fool} ! What thing did ever [he]_{115-claudis flamma} hate as [he]_{115-claudis flamma} hated [your]_{334-the old woman} shadow on the wall ? The money , and [the lands]_{3530-the lands} , and the things — every coin , every inch , every crumb — is willed away to [the Bishop]_{7524-the bishop} , to [the holy Bishop in [the town yonder]_{7526-the town yonder}]_{7525-the holy bishop in the town yonder} , to hold for the will of [God]_118-god and the glory of [[his]_{115-claudis flamma} kingdom]_{4868-his kingdom} . And masses will be said for [his]_{115-claudis flamma} soul , daily , in [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} ; and [the gracious almoner]_{7529-the gracious almoner} has as good as said that [the mill]_{281-the mill} shall be let to [Fraçvron]_{232-fraçvron} , [the baker , who is old and has no women to [[his]_{7531-the baker , who is old and has no women to his house} house]_{5272-his house}]_{7531-the baker , who is old and has no women to his house} ; and that [I]_147-pitchou shall dwell here and manage all things , and rule [Fraçvron]_{232-fraçvron} , and end [my]_147-pitchou days in the chimney corner . And [I]_147-pitchou will stretch a point and let [you]_{334-the old woman} lie in the hay to‐night , but to‐morrow [you]_{334-the old woman} must tramp , for [[the devil]_{4853-the devil} ’s daughter]_{1243-the devil ’s daughter} and [Holy Church]_{7513-holy church} will scarce go to roost together . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} heard [her]_{104-folle‐farine} stupidly , and stupidly gazed around ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did not understand . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had never had [any other home]_{7536-any other home} , and , in a manner , even in the apathy of a far greater woe , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} clove to [this place]_{2743-this place} ; to [its]_{2743-this place} familiarity , and its silences , and [its]_{2743-this place} old woodland ways . “_{[147-pitchou]} Go!”—she looked down through the aisles of the boughs dreamily ; in a vague sense [she]_{104-folle‐farine} felt the sharpness of desolation which repulses the creature whom no human heart desires , and whom no human voice bids stay . “_{[147-pitchou]} Yes . Go ; and that quickly , ” said [the peasant]_{5394-the peasant} , with a sardonic grin . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her serve [the Church]_{331-the church} now . It is not for [me]_0-her to harbour such as [thee]_4026-thee ; nor is it fit to take the bread of [the poor]_{5743-the poor} and [the pious]_{4028-the pious} to feed lips as accursed as are thine . [Thou]_4026-thee may’st lie here to‐night — [I]_0-her would not be over harsh — but tarry no longer . Take a sup and a bit , and to bed . Dost hear ? ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , without a word in answer , turned on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heel and left [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} watched [her]_{334-the old woman} shadow pass across the threshold , and away down [the garden paths]_{7540-the garden paths} between the green lines of the clipped box , and vanish beyond the fall of drooping fig boughs and the walls of ivy and of laurel ; then with a chuckle [she]_{334-the old woman} poured out [her]_{334-the old woman} hot coffee , and sat in [her]_{334-the old woman} corner and made [her]_{334-the old woman} evening meal well pleased ; comfort was secured [her]_{334-the old woman} for the few years which [she]_{334-the old woman} had to live , and [she]_{334-the old woman} was revenged for the loss of the sequins . “_[4032-they] How well it is for [me]_0-her that [I]_0-her went to mass every Saint ’s day , ” [she]_{334-the old woman} thought , foreseeing easy years and plenty under the rule of [the Church]_{331-the church} and of [old deaf Françvron [the baker]_{7543-the baker}]_{7542-old deaf françvron the baker} . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} mounted the wooden ladder to the hayloft which had been [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} sleeping‐chamber]_{7544-her sleeping‐chamber} , there took the little linen and the few other garments which belonged to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , folded them together in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} winter sheep‐skin , and sent down the wooden steps once more , and out of [the mill‐garden]_{282-the mill‐garden} across [the bridge]_{4901-the bridge} into [the woods]_{344-the woods} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had no fixed purpose even for the immediate hour ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had not even a tangible thought for [her]_{104-folle‐farine} future . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} acted on sheer mechanical impulse , like one who does sane things unconsciously , walking abroad in the trance of sleep . That [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was absolutely destitute scarcely bore any sense to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had never realised that this begrudged roof and scanty fare , which [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} had bestowed on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , had , wretched though they were , yet been all the difference between [home]_497-home and homelessness — between existence and starvation . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} wandered on aimlessly through [the woods]_{344-the woods} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} paused a moment on [the river]_{356-the river} ’s edge , and turned and looked back at [the mill]_{281-the mill} and [the house]_{323-the house} . Form where [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stood , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could see [its]_{281-the mill} brown gables and [its]_{281-the mill} peaked roof rising from masses of orchard foilage , and green garden leaves ; further round [it]_{281-the mill} , closed the dark belt of [the deep chestnut woods]_{7553-the deep chestnut woods} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} looked ; and great salt tears rushed into [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hot eyes and blinded them . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had been hated by [those who dwelt there , and had there known only pain , and toil , and blows , and bitter words]_{7554-those who dwelt there , and had there known only pain , and toil , and blows , and bitter words} . And yet [the place itself]_{7555-the place itself} was dear to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [its]_{7555-the place itself} homely and simple look , [its]_{7555-the place itself} quiet garden ways , [its]_{7555-the place itself} dells of leafy shadow , [its]_{7555-the place itself} bright and angry waters , [its]_{7555-the place itself} furred and feathered creatures that gave [it]_{7555-the place itself} life and loveliness,—these had been [her]_{104-folle‐farine} consolations often,—these , in a way , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} loved . Such as it was , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} life had been bound up with it ; and though often [its]_{7555-the place itself} cool pale skies and [level lands]_{7556-level lands} had been a prison to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , yet [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart clove to it in this moment when [she]_{104-folle‐farine} left it — for ever . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} looked once at [it]_{7555-the place itself} long and lingeringly , full in the light of the rising sun ; then turned and went on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} walked slowly through the cool evening shadows , while the birds fluttered about [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} did not comprehend the terrible fate that had befallen [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} did not think that it was horrible to have no canopy but the clear sky , and no food but the grain rubbed form the ripe wheat‐ears . The fever of conscious passion which had been born in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and the awe of the lonely death that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had witnessed , were on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} too heavily , and with too dreamy and delirious an absorption , to leave any room in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} thoughts for the bodily perils or the bodily privations of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} fate . Some vague expectancy of some great horror , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew not what , was on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was as in a trance , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} brain was giddy , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} eyes blind . Though [she]_{104-folle‐farine} walked straightly , bearing [her]_{104-folle‐farine} load upon [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , on and on as through [the familiar paths]_{7557-the familiar paths} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} yet had no goal , no sense of what [she]_{104-folle‐farine} meant to do , or whither [she]_{104-folle‐farine} desired to go . [The people]_{4948-the people} were still about , going from [their]_{4948-the people} work in [the fields]_{316-the fields} , and [their]_{4948-the people} day at [the town‐market]_{7560-the town‐market} , to [[their]_{4948-the people} homesteads and [huts]_7562-huts]_{7561-their homesteads and huts} . [Every one of [them]_{4948-the people}]_{7563-every one of them} cast some word at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . For the news had spread by sunset over all [the country‐side]_{2507-the country‐side} that [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} ’s treasures were gone to [holy Church]_{7513-holy church} . [They]_{4948-the people} were spoken in idleness , but they were sharp , flouting , merciless arrows of speech , that struck [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hardly as [the speakers]_{7566-the speakers} cast them , and laughed , and passed by [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} gave no sign that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} heard , not by so much as the quiver of a muscle or the glance of an eye ; but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} , nevertheless , was stung by [them]_{4948-the people} to the core . For [they]_{4948-the people} showed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} how worthless and friendless a thing had dared to dream that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} might be of service to the life of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . Not one of [them]_{4948-the people} , [man]_4882-man or [boy]_7568-boy , but made a mock of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as [they]_{4948-the people} trooped by through the purpling leaves or the tall seed‐grasses . Not one of [them]_{4948-the people} , [mother]_6422-mother or [maiden]_7570-maiden , that gave a gentle look at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , paused to remember that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was homeless , and knew no more where to lay [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head that night than [any sick hart driven from its kind]_{7571-any sick hart driven from its kind} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} met many in the soft grey and golden evening , in [the fruit‐hung ways]_{7572-the fruit‐hung ways} , along [the edge of the meadows]_{7573-the edge of the meadows} ; [fathers]_7574-fathers with [[their]_7574-fathers little children]_{2749-their little children} running by [them]_7574-fathers , laden with plumes of night‐shade ; [mothers]_5152-mothers bearing [[their]_5152-mothers youngest born before [them]_5152-mothers on the high sheepskin saddle]_{7577-their youngest born before them on the high sheepskin saddle} ; [young lovers]_{7578-young lovers} talking together as [they]_{7578-young lovers} drove the old cow to [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} byre]_{7579-her byre} ; [old people]_{4969-old people} counting [their]_{4969-old people} market gains cheerily ; [children]_366-children paddling knee‐deep in the brooks for [cresses]_7582-cresses . [None of [them]_7584-them]_{516-none of them} had a kindly glance for [her;—all]_4029-her had a flouting word . There was not one who offered [her]_4029-her so much as a draught of milk ; not one who wished [her]_4029-her so much as a brief good‐night . “_[0-her] [She]_4029-her will quit [the country]_{751-the country} now ; that is one good thing , ” [she]_4029-her heard many of [them]_7584-them say of [her]_4029-her . And [they]_7584-them spoke of [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} , and praised [him]_{115-claudis flamma} ; saying , how pure as myrrh in the nostrils was the death of one who feared [God]_118-god . The night came on nearer ; the ways grew more lonely ; the calf bleating sought [its]_{104-folle‐farine} dam , the sheep folded down close together , the lights came out under the lowly roofs ; now and then from some open window in the distance there came the sound of voices singing together ; now and then there fell across [her]_4029-her path two shadows turning one to the other . [She]_4029-her only was alone . What did [she]_4029-her seek to do ? [She]_4029-her paused on a little slip of moss‐green timber that crossed [the water]_{265-the water} in [the open plain]_{7586-the open plain} , and looked down at [herself]_4029-her in [the shining stream]_{7587-the shining stream} . [None]_498-none desired [her]_4029-her — [none]_498-none remembered [her]_4029-her ; [none]_498-none said to [her]_4029-her , “_[4029-her] Stay with [us]_4031-us a little , for love ’s sake . ” “_[4029-her] Surely [I]_0-her must be vile as [they]_4032-they say , that all are against [me]_0-her ! ” [she]_4029-her thought ; and [she]_4029-her pondered wearily in [her]_4029-her heart where [her]_4029-her sin against [them]_4032-they could lie . That brief delirious trance of joy that had come to [her]_4029-her with the setting of the last day ’s sun , had with the sun sunk away . The visions which had haunted [her]_4029-her sleep under the thorn‐tree whilst the thrush sang , had been killed under the cold and bitterness of the waking world . [She]_4029-her wondered , while [her]_4029-her face grew red with shame , what [she]_4029-her had been mad enough to dream of in that sweet , cruel slumber . For [him]_7591-him — [she]_4029-her felt that sooner than again look upward to [his]_7591-him eyes [she]_4029-her would die by a thousand deaths . What was [she]_4029-her to [[him?—a]_7591-him barbarous , worthless , and unlovely thing , whose very service was despised , whose very sacrifice was condemned]_{7592-him?—a barbarous , worthless , and unlovely thing , whose very service was despised , whose very sacrifice was condemned} . “_[4032-they] [I]_0-her would live as [a leper]_{2242-a leper} all the days of [my]_0-her life , if , first , [I]_0-her might be fair in [his]_4034-his sight one hour ! ” [she]_4029-her thought ; and [she]_4029-her was unconscious of horror or of impiety in the ghastly desire , because [she]_4029-her ahd but one religion , this — [her]_4029-her love . [She]_4029-her crossed [the little bridge]_{7593-the little bridge} , and sat down to rest on the root of an old oak on the edge of [the fields of poppies]_{7594-the fields of poppies} . The evening had fallen quite . There was a bright moon on [the edge of [the plain]_{7129-the plain}]_{7595-the edge of the plain} . The cresset lights of [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} glowed through the dusk . All was purple and grey and still . There were the scents of heavy earths and wild thymes and the breath of grazing herds . [The little hamlets]_{3513-the little hamlets} were but patches of darker shade on the soft brown shadows of the night . White sea‐mists , curling and rising chased each other over [the dim world]_{7599-the dim world} . [She]_4029-her sat motionless , leaning [her]_4029-her head upon [her]_4029-her hand . [She]_4029-her could not weep , as [other creatures]_{7600-other creatures} could . The hours drew on . [She]_4029-her had [no [home]_497-home to go to]_{7601-no home to go to} ; but it was not for this that [she]_4029-her sorrowed . Afar off , a step trod down the grasses . A hawk rustled through the gloom . A rabbit fled across [the path]_{2257-the path} . The boughs were put aside by a human hand ; [Arslàn]_172-arslàn came out from the darkness of [the woods before [her]_4029-her]_{7604-the woods before her} . With a sharp cry [she]_4029-her sprang to [her]_4029-her feet and fled , on one passionate reasonless instinct to hide [herself]_4029-her for ever and for ever from the only eyes [she]_4029-her loved . Before [her]_4029-her was the maze of the poppy‐fields . In the moonlight [their]_{3513-the little hamlets} blossom , so gorgeous at sunset or at noon , lost all their scarlet gaud and purple pomp , and drooped like discrowned kings stripped bare in the midnight of calamity . Their colourless flowers writhed and twined about [her]_4029-her ankles . [Her]_4029-her brown limbs glistened in the gleam from the skies . [She]_4029-her tightened [her]_4029-her red girdle round [her]_4029-her loins and ran , as a doe runs to reach [the sanctuary]_{7605-the sanctuary} . Long withes of trailing grasses , weeds that grew amongst the grasses , caught [her]_4029-her fleet feet and stopped [her]_4029-her . [The earth]_{288-the earth} was wet with dew . A tangle of boughs and brambles filled [the path]_{2257-the path} . For once , [her]_4029-her sure steps failed [her]_4029-her . [She]_4029-her faltered and fell . Ere [he]_7608-he could touch [her]_4029-her , [she]_4029-her rose again . The scent of the wet leaves was in [her]_4029-her hair . The rain‐drops glistened on [her]_4029-her feet . The light of the stars seemed in [her]_4029-her burning eyes . Around [her]_4029-her were the gleam of the night , the scent of the flowers , the smell of [the woods]_{344-the woods} . On [her]_4029-her face the moon shone . [She]_4029-her was like a creature born from the freshness of dews , from the odour of foilage , from the hues of the clouds , from the foam of the brooks , from all things of [the woods]_{344-the woods} and [the water]_{265-the water} . In that moment [she]_4029-her was beautiful with the beauty of [women]_365-women . “_[4035-she] If only [she]_4035-she could content [me]_0-her ! ” [he]_7608-he thought . If only [he]_7608-he cared for the song of the reed by [the river]_{356-the river} ! But [he]_7608-he cared nothing at all for anything that lived ; and a pursuit that was passionless of a thing that was helpless , seemed to [him]_7608-he base ; and [his]_7608-he feet were set on [a stony and narrow road where [he]_7608-he would not encumber [his]_7608-he strength with a thing of [her]_4035-she sex]_{7614-a stony and narrow road where he would not encumber his strength with a thing of her sex} , lest the burden should draw [him]_7608-he backward one rood on [his]_7608-he way . [He]_7608-he had never loved [her]_4029-her ; [he]_7608-he never would love [her]_4029-her ; [his]_7608-he eyes were awake to [her]_4029-her beauty , indeed , and [his]_7608-he reason owned it beyond all usual gifts of [her]_4029-her sex . But [his]_7608-he senses remained cold to it : [he]_7608-he had used it in the service of [his]_7608-he art , and therein had scrutinised , and pourtrayed , and debased it , until it had lost to [him]_7608-he all that fanciful sanctity , all that half‐mysterious charm , which arouse the passion of love in [a man]_{4875-a man} to [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . So [he]_7608-he let [her]_4029-her be , and stood by [her]_4029-her in the dusk of the night with no light in [his]_7608-he own eyes . “_[4035-she] Do not fly from [me]_0-her , ” [he]_7608-he said to [her]_4029-her . “_[4035-she] [I]_0-her have sought [you]_4036-her , to ask [your]_4036-her forgiveness , and — ” [She]_4029-her stood silent , [her]_4029-her head bent ; [her]_4029-her hands were crossed upon [her]_4029-her chest in the posture habitual to [her]_4029-her under any pain ; [her]_4029-her face was shrouded in the shadow ; [her]_4029-her little bundles of clothes had dropped on the grasses , and was hidden by them . Of [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} ’s death and of [her]_4029-her homelessness [he]_7617-he had heard nothing . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her was harsh to [you]_4036-her , ” [he]_7617-he said , gently . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her spoke , in the bitterness of [my]_0-her heart , unworthily . [I]_0-her was stung with a great shame;—I forgot that [you]_4036-her could not know . Can [you]_4036-her forgive ? ” “_[4036-her] The madness was [mine]_4037-mine , ” [she]_4036-her muttered . “_[4037-mine] It was [I]_0-her , who forgot — ” [Her]_4036-her voice was very faint , and left [her]_4036-her lips with effort ; [she]_4036-her did not look up ; [she]_4036-her stood bloodless , breathless , swaying to and fro , as a young tree which has been cut through near the root sways ere it falls . [She]_4036-her knew well what [his]_7617-he words would say . “_[0-her] [You]_4036-her are generous , and [you]_4036-her shame [me]_0-her — indeed — thus , ” [he]_7617-he said with a certain softness as of unwilling pain in [his]_7617-he voice which shook its coldness and serenity . This greatness in [her]_4036-her , this wondrous faithfulness to [himself]_7617-he , this silence , which bore all wounds from [his]_7617-he hand , and was never broken to utter one reproach against [him]_7617-he , these moved [him]_7617-he . [He]_7617-he could not choose but see that this nature , which [he]_7617-he bruised and forsook , was noble beyond any common nobility of any human thing . “_[4036-her] [I]_0-her have deserved little at [your]_4036-her hands , and [you]_4036-her have given [me]_0-her much , ” [he]_7617-he said slowly . “_[4036-her] [I]_0-her feel base and unworthy ; for — [I]_0-her have sought [you]_4036-her to bid [you]_4036-her farewell . ” [She]_4036-her had awaited [her]_4036-her death‐blow ; [she]_4036-her received its stroke without a sound . [She]_4036-her did not move , nor cry out , nor make any sign of pain , but standing there [her]_4036-her form curled within itself , as a withered fern curls , and all [her]_4036-her beauty changed like a fresh flower that is held in a flame . [She]_4036-her did not look at [him]_7617-he ; but waited , with [her]_4036-her head bent , and [her]_4036-her hands crossed on [her]_4036-her breast as a criminal waits for [his]_7617-he doom . [His]_7617-he nerve nearly failed [him]_7617-he ; [his]_7617-he heart nearly yielded . [He]_7617-he had no love for [her]_4036-her ; [she]_4036-her was nothing to [him]_7617-he . No more than [any one of [the dark , nude , savage women who had sat to this art on the broken steps of ruined Temples of the Sun]_{7619-the dark , nude , savage women who had sat to this art on the broken steps of ruined temples of the sun}]_{7618-any one of the dark , nude , savage women who had sat to this art on the broken steps of ruined temples of the sun} ; or [the antelope‐eyed creature of desert and plain who had come before [him]_7617-he in the light of [the East]_{14-the east}]_{7620-the antelope‐eyed creature of desert and plain who had come before him in the light of the east} , and had passed as the shadows passed , and , like them , were forgotten . [She]_4036-her was nothing to [him]_7617-he . And yet [he]_7617-he could not choose but think — all this mighty love , all this majestic strength , all this superb and dreamy loveliness , would die out here , as the evening colours had died out of the skies in the west , none pausing even to note that [they]_7621-they were dead . [He]_7617-he knew that [he]_7617-he had but to say to [her]_4036-her , “_[0-her] Come ! ” and [she]_4036-her would go beside [him]_7617-he , whether to shame or ignominy , or famine or death , triumphant and rejoicing as [the martyrs of old]_{7622-the martyrs of old} went to the flames , which were to [them]_{7622-the martyrs of old} the gates of paradise . [He]_7617-he knew that there would not be a blow [his]_7617-he hand could deal which could make [her]_4036-her deem [him]_7617-he cruel ; [he]_7617-he knew that there would be no crime which [he]_7617-he could bid [her]_4036-her commit for [him]_7617-he which would not seem to [her]_4036-her a virtue ; [he]_7617-he knew that for one hour of [his]_7617-he love [she]_4036-her would slay [herself]_4036-her by any death [he]_7617-he told [her]_4036-her ; [he]_7617-he knew that the deepest wretchedness lived through by [his]_7617-he side would be sweeter and more glorious than [any kingdom of [the world]_{268-the world}]_{7623-any kingdom of the world} or [heaven]_1212-heaven . And [he]_7617-he knew well that to [no man]_{392-no man} is it given to be loved twice with such love as this . Yet,—he loved not [her]_4036-her ; and [he]_7617-he was , therefore , strong , and [he]_7617-he drove the death‐stroke [home]_497-home , with pity , with compassion , with gentleness , yet surely [home]_497-home — to the heart . “_[0-her] [A stranger]_{5005-a stranger} came to [me]_0-her an hour or more ago , ” [he]_7617-he said to [her]_4036-her ; and it seemed even to [him]_7617-he as though [he]_7617-he slew a life godlier and purer and stronger than [[his]_7617-he own,—“an_{[5005-a stranger]} old man , who gave no name]_{7629-his own,—“an old man , who gave no name} . [I]_0-her have seen [his]_{5005-a stranger} face — far away , long ago — [I]_0-her am not sure . The memory is too vague . [He]_{5005-a stranger} seemed [a man of knowledge]_{4039-a man of knowledge} , and [a man critical and keen]_{4040-a man critical and keen} . That study of [you]_4041-you — [the one amongst the poppies,—you]_{4042-the one amongst the poppies,—you} remember — took [his]_{5005-a stranger} eyes and pleased [him]_{5005-a stranger} . [He]_{5005-a stranger} bore it away with [him]_{5005-a stranger} , and left in its stead a roll of paper money — money enough to take [me]_0-her back amongst [men]_364-men — to set [me]_0-her free for a little space . Oh , [child]_1265-child ! [you]_4041-you have seen — this hell on [earth]_5276-earth kills [me]_0-her . It is a death in life . It has made [me]_0-her brutal to [you]_4041-you sometimes ; sometimes [I]_0-her must hurt something , or go mad . ” [She]_0-her was silent ; [her]_0-her attitude had not changed , but all [her]_0-her loveliness was like one of the poppies that [his]_{5005-a stranger} foot had trodden on , discoloured , broken , ruined . [She]_0-her stood as though changed to a statue of bronze . [He]_{5005-a stranger} looked on [her]_0-her , and knew that [no creature]_{7630-no creature} had ever loved [him]_{5005-a stranger} as [this creature]_{705-this creature} had loved . But of love [he]_{5005-a stranger} wanted nothing,—it was weariness to [him]_{5005-a stranger} ; all [he]_{5005-a stranger} desired was power amongst [men]_364-men . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her have been cruel to [you]_4041-you , ” [he]_{5005-a stranger} said , suddenly . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her have stung and wounded [you]_4041-you often . [I]_0-her have dealt with [your]_4041-you beauty as with this flower under [my]_0-her foot . [I]_0-her have had no pity for [you]_4041-you . Can [you]_4041-you forgive [me]_0-her ere [I]_0-her go ? ” “_[4041-you] [You]_0-her have no sins to [me]_0-her , ” [she]_0-her made answer to [him]_{5005-a stranger} . [She]_0-her did not stir ; nor did the deadly calm on [her]_0-her face change ; but [her]_0-her voice had a harsh metallic sound , like the jar of a bell that is broken . [He]_{5005-a stranger} was silent also . The coldness and the arrogance of [his]_{5005-a stranger} heart were pained and humbled by [her]_0-her pardon of them . [He]_{5005-a stranger} knew that [he]_{5005-a stranger} had been pitiless to [her]_0-her — with a pitilessness less excusable than that which is born of the fierceness of passion and the idolatrous desires of the senses . [Man]_4882-man would have held [him]_{5005-a stranger} blameless here , because [he]_{5005-a stranger} had forborn to pluck for [his]_{5005-a stranger} own [this red and gold reed in [the swamp]_{7635-the swamp}]_{7634-this red and gold reed in the swamp} ; but [he]_{5005-a stranger} [himself]_{5005-a stranger} knew well that , nevertheless , [he]_{5005-a stranger} had trodden [its]_{7634-this red and gold reed in the swamp} life out , and so bruised it , as [he]_{5005-a stranger} went , that never would any wind of heaven breathe music through its shattered grace again . “_[0-her] When do [you]_4046-he go ? ” [she]_0-her asked . [Her]_0-her voice had still the same harsh broken sound in it . [She]_0-her did not lift the lids of [her]_0-her eyes ; [her]_0-her arms were crossed upon [her]_0-her breast;—all the ruins of the trampled poppy‐blossom were about [her]_0-her , blood‐red as a field where [men]_364-men have fought and died . [He]_4046-he answered [her]_0-her , “_[4046-he] At dawn . ” “_[4046-he] And where ? ” “_[0-her] To [Paris]_10-paris . [I]_0-her will find fame — or [a grave]_{4047-a grave} . ” A long silence fell between [them]_7637-them . The church chimes , far away in the darkness , tolled the ninth hour . [She]_0-her stood passive , colourless as the poppies were , bloodless from the thick , dull beating of [her]_0-her heart . The purple shadow and the white stars swam around [her]_0-her . [Her]_0-her heart was broken ; but [she]_0-her gave no sign . It was [her]_0-her nature to suffer to the last in silence . [He]_4046-he looked at [her]_0-her , and [his]_4046-he own heart softened ; almost [he]_4046-he repented [him]_4046-he . [He]_4046-he stretched [his]_4046-he arms to [her]_0-her , and drew [her]_0-her into [them]_7638-them , and kissed the dew‐laden weight of [her]_0-her hair , and the curling lithe from , whence all warmth had died , and the passionate loveliness , which was cast to [him]_4046-he , to be folded in [his]_4046-he bosom or thrust away by [his]_4046-he foot — as [he]_4046-he chose . “_[0-her] Oh , [child]_1265-child , forgive [me]_0-her , and forget [me]_0-her , ” [he]_4046-he murmured . “_[1265-child] [I]_0-her have been base to you,—brutal , and bitter , and cold oftentimes;—yet [I]_0-her would have loved [you]_1265-child , if [I]_0-her could . Love would have been youth , folly , oblivion ; all the nearest likeness that [men]_364-men get of happiness on [earth]_5276-earth . But love is dead in [me]_0-her , [I]_0-her think , otherwise — ” [She]_0-her burned like fire , and grew cold as ice in [his]_4046-he embrace . [Her]_0-her brain reeled ; [her]_0-her sight was blind . [She]_0-her trembled as [she]_0-her had never done under the sharpest throes of [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} ’s scourge . Suddenly [she]_0-her cast [her]_0-her arms about [his]_4046-he throat , and clung to [him]_4046-he , and kissed [him]_4046-he in answer with that strange , mute , terrible passion with which the lips of the dying kiss the warm and living face that bends above [them]_364-men , on which [they]_364-men know [they]_364-men never again will rest . Then [she]_0-her broke from [him]_4046-he , and sprang into [the maze of [the moonlit fields]_{7640-the moonlit fields}]_{7639-the maze of the moonlit fields} , and fled from [him]_4046-he like a stag that bears its death‐shot in it , and knows it , and seeks to hide itself and die unseen . [He]_4046-he pursued [her]_0-her , urged by a desire that was cruel , and a sorrow that was tender . [He]_4046-he had no love for [her]_0-her ; and yet — now that [he]_4046-he had thrown [her]_0-her from [him]_4046-he for ever — [he]_4046-he would fain have felt those hot mute lips tremble again in their terrible eloquence upon [his]_4046-he own . But [he]_4046-he sought [her]_0-her in vain . The shadows of the night hid [her]_0-her from [him]_4046-he . [He]_4046-he went back to [[his]_4046-he home]_{2724-his home} alone . “_[0-her] It is best so , ” [he]_4046-he said to [himself]_4046-he . For the life that lay before [him]_4046-he [he]_4046-he needed all [his]_4046-he strength , all [his]_4046-he coldness , all [his]_4046-he cruelty . And [she]_0-her was only [a frail female thing]_{7642-a frail female thing} — a reed of [the river]_{356-the river} , songless , and blown by the wind as the rest were . [He]_4046-he returned to [his]_4046-he solitude , and lit [his]_4046-he lamp , and looked on the creations which alone [he]_4046-he loved . “_[0-her] [They]_4051-they shall live,—or [I]_0-her will die , ” [he]_4046-he said in [his]_4046-he own heart . With the war to which [he]_4046-he went what had [any amorous toy]_{7644-any amorous toy} to do ? That night [Hermes]_164-hermes had no voice for [him]_4046-he . Else might [the wise god]_{7645-the wise god} had said , “_[0-her] Many reeds grow together by [the river]_{356-the river} , and [men]_364-men tread them at will , and none are the worse . But in one reed of a million song is hidden ; and when [a man]_{4875-a man} carelessly breaks that reed in twain , [he]_{4875-a man} may miss its music often and long,—yea , all the years of [his]_{4875-a man} life . ” But [Hermes]_164-hermes that night spake not . And [he]_4046-he brake [his]_4046-he reed , and cast it behind [him]_4046-he . WHEN the dawn came , it found [her]_7646-her lying face downward among the rushes by [the river]_{356-the river} . [She]_7646-her had run on , and on , and on blindly , not knowing where [she]_7646-her fled , with the strange force which despair lends ; then suddenly had dropped , as a young bull drops in the circus with the steel sheathed in its brain . There [she]_7646-her had remained insensible , the blood flowing a little from [her]_7646-her mouth . It was quite lonely by [the waterside]_{7167-the waterside} . [A crane among the sedges]_{7649-a crane among the sedges} , [an owl on the wind]_{7650-an owl on the wind} , a water‐lizard under the stones , such were the only moving things . [It]_{7649-a crane among the sedges} was in [a solitary bend of [the stream]_{374-the stream}]_{7651-a solitary bend of the stream} ; [its]_{7649-a crane among the sedges} banks were green and quiet ; there were [no dwellings near]_{7653-no dwellings near} ; and there was no light anywhere , except the dull glow of the lamp above [the Calvary]_{43-the calvary} . [No one]_{264-no one} found [her]_7646-her . [A young fox]_{7655-a young fox} came and smelt at [her]_7646-her , and stole frightened away . That was all . A sharp wind rising with the reddening of the east blew on [her]_7646-her , and recalled [her]_7646-her to consciousness after many hours . When [her]_7646-her eyes at length opened , with a blank stare upon the greyness of the shadows , [she]_7646-her lifted [herself]_7646-her a little and sat still , and wondered what had chanced to [her]_7646-her . The first rays of the sun rose over the dim blue haze of the horizon . [She]_7646-her looked at it and tried to remember , but failed . [Her]_7646-her mind was sick and dull . A little beetle , green and bronze , climbed in and out amongst the sand of [the river‐shore]_{7656-the river‐shore} ; [her]_7646-her eyes vacantly followed the insect ’s aimless circles . [She]_7646-her tried to think , and could not ; [her]_7646-her thoughts went feebly and madly round and round , round and round , as the beetle went in [his]_{7655-a young fox} maze of sand . It was all so grey , so still , so chill , [she]_7646-her was afraid of it . [Her]_7646-her limbs were stiffened by the exposure and dews of the night . [She]_7646-her shivered and was cold . The sun rose — a globe of flame above the edge of [the world]_{268-the world} . Memory flashed on [her]_7646-her with its light . [She]_7646-her rose a little , staggering and blind , and weakened by the loss of blood ; [she]_7646-her crept feebly to the edge of [the stream]_{374-the stream} , and washed the stains from [her]_7646-her lips , and let [her]_7646-her face rest a little in the sweet , silent , flowing water . Then [she]_7646-her sat still amidst the long rush‐like grass , and thought , and thought , and wondered why life was so tough and merciless a thing , that it would ache on , and burn on , and keep misery awake to know itself even when its death‐blow had been dealt , and the steel was in its side . [She]_7646-her was still only half sensible of [her]_7646-her wretchedness . [She]_7646-her was numbed by weakness , and [her]_7646-her brain seemed deadened by a hot pain , that shot through it as with tongues of flame . The little beetle at [her]_7646-her feet was busied in a yellower soil than sand . [He]_{7655-a young fox} moved round and round in a little dazzling heap of coins , and trembling paper thin as gauze . [She]_7646-her saw it without seeing for awhile ; then , all at once , a knowledge flashed on [her]_7646-her . [She]_7646-her saw that the money had fallen from [her]_7646-her tunic . [She]_7646-her guessed the truth — that in [his]_{7655-a young fox} last embrace [he]_{7655-a young fox} had slid into [her]_7646-her bosom half that sum whereof [he]_{7655-a young fox} had spoken as the ransom which had set [him]_{7655-a young fox} free . [Her]_7646-her bloodless face grew scarlet with an immeasurable shame . [She]_7646-her would have suffered far less if [he]_{7655-a young fox} had killed [her]_7646-her . [[He]_{7655-a young fox} who denied [her]_7646-her love to give [her]_7646-her gold]_{7659-he who denied her love to give her gold} ! Better that , when [he]_{7655-a young fox} had kissed [her]_7646-her , [he]_{7655-a young fox} had covered [her]_7646-her eyes softly with one hand , and with the other driven [his]_{7655-a young fox} knife straight through the white warmth of [her]_7646-her breast . The sight of the gold stung [her]_7646-her like a snake . Gold!—such wage as [men]_364-men flung to the painted harlots gibing at the corners of [the streets]_{5229-the streets} ! The horror of the humiliation filled [her]_7646-her with loathing of [herself]_7646-her . Unless [she]_7646-her had become shameful in [his]_{7655-a young fox} sight , [she]_7646-her thought , [he]_{7655-a young fox} could not have cast this shame upon [her]_7646-her . [She]_7646-her gathered [herself]_7646-her slowly up , and stood and looked with blind aching eyes at the splendour of the sunrise . [Her]_7646-her heart was breaking . [Her]_7646-her one brief dream of gladness was severed sharply , as with a sword , and killed for ever . [She]_7646-her did not reason — all thought was stunned with [her]_7646-her ; but as [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , who loves looking on the face [she]_7646-her loves , will see sure death written there long ere any other can detect it , so [she]_7646-her knew , by the fatal and unerring instinct of passion , that [he]_{7655-a young fox} was gone from [her]_7646-her as utterly and as eternally as though [his]_{7655-a young fox} grave had closed on [him]_{7655-a young fox} . [She]_7646-her did not even in [her]_7646-her own heart reproach [him]_{7655-a young fox} . [Her]_7646-her love for [him]_{7655-a young fox} was too perfect to make rebuke against [him]_{7655-a young fox} possible to [her]_7646-her . Had [he]_{7655-a young fox} not a right to go as [he]_{7655-a young fox} would , to do as [he]_{7655-a young fox} chose , to take [her]_7646-her or leave [her]_7646-her , as best might seem to [him]_{7655-a young fox} ? Only [he]_{7655-a young fox} had no right to shame [her]_7646-her with what [he]_{7655-a young fox} had deemed shame to [himself]_{7655-a young fox} ; no right to insult what [he]_{7655-a young fox} had slain . [She]_7646-her gathered [herself]_7646-her slowly up , and took [his]_{7655-a young fox} money in [her]_7646-her hand , and went along [the river bank]_{7663-the river bank} . [Whither]_233-whither ? [She]_7646-her had no knowledge at first ; but , as [she]_7646-her moved against the white light and the cool currents of the morning air , [her]_7646-her brain cleared a little . The purpose which had risen in [her]_7646-her slowly matured and strengthened ; without its sustenance [she]_7646-her would have sunk down and perished , like a flower cut at the root . Of all the world that lay beyond the pale of those golden and russet orchards and [scarlet lakes of blowing poppies]_{7664-scarlet lakes of blowing poppies} [she]_7646-her had no more knowledge than the lizard at [her]_7646-her feet . [Cities]_84-cities , [he]_{7655-a young fox} had often said , were as fiery furnaces that consumed all youth and innocence which touched [them]_84-cities : for such as [she]_7646-her to go to [them]_84-cities was , [he]_{7655-a young fox} had often said , to cast a luscious and golden peach of the summer into the core of a wasp ’s nest . Nevertheless , [her]_7646-her mind was resolute to follow [him,—to]_{7665-him,—to} follow [him]_{7655-a young fox} unknown by [him]_{7655-a young fox} ; so that , if [his]_{7655-a young fox} footsteps turned to brighter paths , [her]_7646-her shadow might never fall across [his]_{7655-a young fox} ways ; but so that , if need were , if failure still pursued [him]_{7655-a young fox} , and by failure came misery and death , [she]_7646-her would be there beside [him]_{7655-a young fox} , to share those fatal gifts which [none]_498-none would dispute with [her]_7646-her or grudge . To follow [him]_{7655-a young fox} was to [her]_7646-her an instinct as natural and as irresistible as it is to the dog to track [[his]_{7655-a young fox} master]_{1688-his master} ’s wanderings . [She]_7646-her would have starved ere [she]_7646-her would have told [him]_{7655-a young fox} that [she]_7646-her hungered . [She]_7646-her would have perished by the roadside ere ever [she]_7646-her would have cried to [him]_{7655-a young fox} that [she]_7646-her was homeless . [She]_7646-her would have been torn asunder for a meal by [wolves]_7668-wolves ere [she]_7646-her would have bought safety or succour by one coin of that gold [he]_{7655-a young fox} had slid in [her]_7646-her bosom , like the wages of a thing that was vile . But to follow [him]_{7655-a young fox} [she]_7646-her never hesitated : unless this had been possible to [her]_7646-her , [she]_7646-her would have refused to live another hour . The love in [her]_7646-her , at once savage and sublime , at once strong as the lion ’s rage and humble as the camel ’s endurance , made [her]_7646-her take patiently all wrongs at [his]_{7655-a young fox} hands , but made [her]_7646-her powerless to imagine a life in which [he]_{7655-a young fox} was not . [She]_7646-her went slowly now through [the country]_{751-the country} , in the hush of the waking day . [He]_{7655-a young fox} had said that [he]_{7655-a young fox} would leave at dawn . In [her]_7646-her unconscious agony of the night gone by , [she]_7646-her had run far and fast ere [she]_7646-her had fallen ; and now , upon [her]_7646-her waking , [she]_7646-her had found [herself]_7646-her some league from [the old mill‐woods]_{7670-the old mill‐woods} , and further yet from the tower on [the river where [he]_{7655-a young fox} dwelt]_{7671-the river where he dwelt} . [She]_7646-her was weak , and the way seemed very long to [her]_7646-her ; ever and again , too , [she]_7646-her started aside and hid [herself]_7646-her , thinking each step were [his]_{7655-a young fox} . [She]_7646-her wanted to give [him]_{7655-a young fox} back [his]_{7655-a young fox} gold , yet [she]_7646-her felt as though one look of [his]_{7655-a young fox} eyes would kill [her]_7646-her . It was long , and the sun was high , ere [she]_7646-her had dragged [her]_7646-her stiff and feeble limbs through [the long grasses of [the shore]_{2087-the shore}]_{7672-the long grasses of the shore} and reached [the ruined granary]_{7674-the ruined granary} . Crouching down , and gazing through the spaces in the stones from which so often [she]_7646-her had watched [him]_{7655-a young fox} , [she]_7646-her saw at once that [the place]_{342-the place} was desolate . [The great Barabbas]_{7676-the great barabbas} , and the painted panels and canvases , and all the pigments and tools and articles of [[an artist]_{284-an artist} ’s store]_{7678-an artist ’s store} , were gone : but the figures on the walls were perforce left there to perish . The early light fell full upon [them]_7679-them , sad and calm and pale , living [their]_7679-them life upon the stone . [She]_7646-her entered and looked at [them]_7679-them . [She]_7646-her loved [them]_7679-them greatly ; it pierced [her]_7646-her heart to leave [them]_7679-them [there]_439-there — alone . [The bound Helios working at [the mill]_{281-the mill}]_{7681-the bound helios working at the mill} , with white [Hermes]_164-hermes watching , mute and content,—Persephone crouching in the awful shadow of [the dread winged King,—the Greek youths , with doves in [their]_7679-them breasts and golden apples in [their]_7679-them hands,—the women dancing upon [Cithæron]_40-cithæron , in the [moonlight,—the young gladiator]_{7684-moonlight,—the young gladiator} wrestling with the Libyan lion,—all the familiar shapes and stories that made the grey walls teem with the old sweet life of the heroic times]_{7683-the dread winged king,—the greek youths , with doves in their breasts and golden apples in their hands,—the women dancing upon cithæron , in the moonlight,—the young gladiator wrestling with the libyan lion,—all the familiar shapes and stories that made the grey walls teem with the old sweet life of the heroic times} , were there — left to the rat and the spider , the dust and the damp , the slow , sad death of a decay which no heart would sorrow for , nor any hand arrest . The days would come and go , the suns would rise and set , the nights would fall , and the waters flow , and the great stars throb above in the skies , and [they]_7679-them would be there — alone . To [her]_7646-her [they]_7679-them were living things , beautiful and divine ; they were bound up with all the hours of [her]_7646-her love ; and at [their]_7679-them feet [she]_7646-her had known the one brief dream of ecstacy that had sprung up for [her]_7646-her , great and golden as [the prophet]_{2338-the prophet} ’s gourd , and as the gourd in a night had withered . [She]_7646-her held [them]_7679-them in a passionate tenderness — these , [the first creatures who had spoken to [her]_7646-her with a smile , and had brought light in to the darkness of [her]_7646-her life]_{7686-the first creatures who had spoken to her with a smile , and had brought light in to the darkness of her life} . [She]_7646-her flung [herself]_7646-her on the ground and kissed its dust , and prayed for [them]_7679-them in an agony of prayer — prayed for [them]_7679-them that the hour might come , and come quickly , when [men]_364-men would see the greatness of [[their]_364-men maker]_{7688-their maker} , and would remember [them]_364-men , and seek [them]_364-men , and bear [them]_364-men forth in honour and in worship to [the nations]_{2458-the nations} . [She]_7646-her prayed in an agony ; prayed blindly , and to whom [she]_7646-her knew not ; prayed , in the sightless instinct of the human heart , towards some greater strength which could bestow at once retribution and consolation . Nor was it so much for [him]_7690-him as for [them]_7679-them that [she]_7646-her thus prayed : in loving [them]_7679-them [she]_7646-her had reached the pure and impersonal passion of [the artist]_{6434-the artist} . To have [them]_7679-them live , [she]_7646-her would have given [her]_7646-her own life . Then the bonds of [her]_7646-her torment seemed to be severed ; and , for the first time , [she]_7646-her fell into a passion of tears , and stretched there on the floor of [the forsaken chamber]_{7692-the forsaken chamber} , wept as [women]_365-women weep upon [a grave]_{4047-a grave} . When [she]_7646-her arose , at length , [she]_7646-her met the eyes of [Hypnos]_165-hypnos and [Oneiros]_166-oneiros and [Thanatos]_167-thanatos — [the gentle gods who give forgetfulness to [men]_364-men]_{7695-the gentle gods who give forgetfulness to men} . [They]_{7695-the gentle gods who give forgetfulness to men} were [[her]_7646-her dear gods]_{7697-her dear gods} , [her]_7646-her best beloved and most compassionate ; yet [their]_{7695-the gentle gods who give forgetfulness to men} looks struck coldly to [her]_7646-her heart . Sleep , Dreams , and Death,—were these the only gifts with which [the gods]_{1366-the gods} , being merciful , could answer prayer ? AT [the little quay in [the town]_{482-the town}]_{7699-the little quay in the town} [many boats]_{7701-many boats} were lading and unlading , and many setting [their]_{7701-many boats} sails to go southward with [their]_{7701-many boats} loads of eggs or of birds , of flowers , of fruit or of herbage ; all smelling of summer rain and the odours of freshly ploughed earths turned up with the nest of the lark and the root of the cowslip laid bare in them . [She]_7646-her lost [herself]_7646-her in [its]_{482-the town} little busy crowd , and learned what [she]_7646-her needed without any asking , in turn , question of [her]_7646-her . [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had sailed at sunrise . There was [a little boat]_{7702-a little boat} , with [an old man]_{1169-an old man} in it , loaded with Russian violets from [a flower‐farm]_{7704-a flower‐farm} . [The old man]_{335-the old man} was angered and in trouble : [the lad who steered for [him]_{335-the old man}]_{7706-the lad who steered for him} had failed [him]_{335-the old man} , and [the young men]_{5035-the young men} and [boys on [the canals]_{7709-the canals}]_{7708-boys on the canals} were all too busy to be willing too the voyage for the wretched pittance [he]_{335-the old man} offered . [She]_0-her heard , and leaned towards [him]_{335-the old man} . “_[4055-you] Do [you]_4055-you go the way to [Paris]_10-paris ? ” [The old man]_{335-the old man} nodded . “_[4055-you] [I]_0-her will steer for [you]_4055-you , then , ” [she]_0-her said to [him]_{335-the old man} ; and leaped down amongst [his]_{335-the old man} fragrant freight . [He]_{335-the old man} was [a stranger]_{5005-a stranger} to [her]_0-her , and let [her]_0-her be . [She]_0-her did for [him]_{335-the old man} as well as another , since [she]_0-her said that [she]_0-her knew [those waters]_{7712-those waters} well . [He]_{335-the old man} was in haste , and , without more words , [he]_{335-the old man} loosened [his]_{335-the old man} sail , and cut [his]_{335-the old man} moor‐rope , and set [[his]_{335-the old man} little vessel]_{7713-his little vessel} adrift down [the water‐ways of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{7714-the water‐ways of the town} , the violets filling the air with their odours and blue as the eyes of [a child that wakes smiling]_{7716-a child that wakes smiling} . All [the old familiar streets]_{7717-the old familiar streets} , all the dusky gateways and [dim passages]_{7718-dim passages} , all the ropes on which the lanterns and the linen hung , all the wide carved stairways water‐washed , all the dim windows that [the women]_{472-the women} filled with pots of ivy and the song of birds,—she was drifting from [them]_{7712-those waters} with every pulse of the tide , never again to return ; but [she]_0-her looked at [them]_{7712-those waters} without seeing [them]_{7712-those waters} , indifferent , and having no memory of [them]_{7712-those waters} ; [her]_0-her brain , and [her]_0-her heart , and [her]_0-her soul were with [the boat that [she]_0-her followed]_{7720-the boat that she followed} . It was the day of [the weekly market]_{7721-the weekly market} . [The broad flat‐bottomed boats]_{7722-the broad flat‐bottomed boats} were coming in at sunrise , in each some cargo of green food or of farm produce : [a strong girl rowing with bare arms]_{7723-a strong girl rowing with bare arms} , and the sun catching the white glint of [her]_0-her head‐gear . [Boys with coils of spotted birds ’ eggs]_{7724-boys with coils of spotted birds ’ eggs} , [children with lapsful of wood‐gathered primroses]_{7725-children with lapsful of wood‐gathered primroses} , [old women nursing a wicker cage of cackling hens]_{7726-old women nursing a wicker cage of cackling hens} or hissing geese , [mules]_803-mules and asses , shaking [their]_{472-the women} bells and worsted tassels , bearing [their]_{472-the women} riders high on sheepskin saddles,—these all went by [her]_0-her on [the river]_{356-the river} , or on [the towing‐path]_{2632-the towing‐path} , or on [the broad high road that ran for a space by [the water]_{265-the water} ’s edge]_{7730-the broad high road that ran for a space by the water ’s edge} . [All of these]_{7732-all of these} knew [her]_0-her well ; all of these sometime of another had jeered [her]_0-her , jostled [her]_0-her , flouted [her]_0-her , or fled from [her]_0-her . But [no one]_{264-no one} stopped [her]_0-her . [No one]_{264-no one} cared enough for [her]_0-her to care even to wonder where [she]_0-her went . [She]_0-her glided out of [the town]_{482-the town} , and along [the banks]_{2303-the banks} [she]_0-her knew so well , and passed the wood and [the orchards of Yprès]_{2423-the orchards of yprès} . But what at another time would have had pain for [her]_0-her , and held [her]_0-her with the bonds of a sad familiarity , now scarcely moved [her]_0-her . One great grief and one great passion had drowned all these lesser woes , and scorched to ashes all slighter memories . All day long [they]_{7732-all of these} sailed . At noon [the old man]_{335-the old man} gave [her]_0-her a little fruit and a crust as part of [her]_0-her wage ; [she]_0-her tried to eat them , knowing [she]_0-her would want all [her]_0-her strength . [They]_{7732-all of these} left the course of [the stream]_{374-the stream} that [she]_0-her knew , and sailed further than [she]_0-her had ever sailed ; passed towns whose bells were ringing , and [noble bridges]_{7740-noble bridges} gleaming in the sun , and [water‐mills]_{7741-water‐mills} black and gruesome , and [bright orchards and vineyards heavy with the promise of fruit]_{7742-bright orchards and vineyards heavy with the promise of fruit} . [She]_0-her knew [none of [them]_{7732-all of these}]_{516-none of them} . There were only the water flowing under the keel , and the blue sky above , with the rooks circling in it , which had the look of friends to [her]_0-her . The twilight fell ; still the wind served , and still [they]_{7732-all of these} held on ; the mists came , white and thick , and stars rose , and the voices from [the shores]_{3470-the shores} sounded strangely , with here and there a note of music or the deep roll of a drum . So [she]_0-her drifted out of the old life into [an unknown world]_{7745-an unknown world} . But [she]_0-her never once looked back . Why should she?—He had gone before . When it was quite night , [they]_{7732-all of these} drew near to [a busy town]_{7746-a busy town} , whose lights glittered by hundreds and thousands on [the bank]_{2255-the bank} . There were [many barges]_{7748-many barges} and [small boats]_{7749-small boats} at anchor in [its]_{7746-a busy town} wharves , hanging out lanterns at [their]_{7732-all of these} mast‐heads . [The old man]_{335-the old man} bade [her]_0-her steer [[his]_{335-the old man} boat]_{7751-his boat} amongst [them]_{7732-all of these} , and with a cord [he]_{335-the old man} made it fast . “_[0-her] This is [Paris]_10-paris ? ” [she]_0-her asked , breathlessly . [The old man]_{335-the old man} laughed . “_[0-her] [Paris]_10-paris is days ’ sail away . ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her asked [you]_0-her if [you]_0-her went to [Paris]_10-paris ? ” [The old man]_{335-the old man} laughed again . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her said [I]_0-her came the [Paris]_10-paris way . So [I]_0-her have done . [Land]_85-land . ” [Her]_0-her face set with an anger that made [him]_{335-the old man} wince , dull though [his]_{335-the old man} conscience was . “_[0-her] [You]_0-her cheated [me]_0-her , ” [she]_0-her said , briefly ; and [she]_0-her climbed [the boat]_{1942-the boat} ’s side , and shaking the violets off [her]_0-her , set [her]_0-her foot upon [the pier]_{7755-the pier} , not stooping to waster more words . But a great terror fell on [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her had thought that [the boat]_{1942-the boat} would bring [her]_0-her straight to [Paris]_10-paris ; and , once in [Paris]_10-paris , [she]_0-her had thought that it would be as easy to trace [his]_{335-the old man} steps as it had been in [the little town]_{1158-the little town} that [she]_0-her had left . [She]_0-her had had no sense of distance — no knowledge of the size of [cities]_996-cities ; the width , and noise , and hurry , and confusion of [this one waterside town]_{7759-this one waterside town} made [her]_0-her helpless and stupid . [She]_0-her stood like a young lost dog upon [the flags of [the landing‐place]_{7761-the landing‐place}]_{7760-the flags of the landing‐place} , not knowing whither to go , nor what to do . [The old man]_{335-the old man} , busied in unlading [his]_{335-the old man} violets into the wicker kreels of [the women waiting for [them]_7764-them]_{7763-the women waiting for them} , took no notice of [her]_0-her . [He]_{335-the old man} had used [her]_0-her so long as [he]_{335-the old man} had wanted [her]_0-her . There were incessant turmoil , outcry , and uproar round [the landing‐stairs]_{7765-the landing‐stairs} , where large cargoes of beetroot , cabbages , and fish were being put on [shore]_7766-shore . [The buyers]_{7767-the buyers} and [the sellers]_{7768-the sellers} screamed and swore ; the tawny light of oil‐lamps flickered over [their]_7764-them furious faces ; [the people]_{4948-the people} jostled [her]_0-her , pushed [her]_0-her , cursed [her]_0-her , for being in the way . [She]_0-her shrank back in bewilderment and disgust , and walked feebly away from [the edge of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{2298-the edge of the river} , trying to think , trying to get back [her]_0-her old health and [her]_0-her old force . [The people of [the streets]_{5229-the streets}]_{7772-the people of the streets} were too occupied to take any heed of [her]_0-her . Only [one ragged little boy]_{7774-one ragged little boy} danced before [her]_0-her a moment , shrieking , “_{[4056-the gipsy]} [The gipsy]_{4056-the gipsy} ! [the gipsy]_{4056-the gipsy} ! [Good little fathers]_{4058-good little fathers} , look to [your]_{4058-good little fathers} pockets ! ” But [she]_0-her was too used to the language of abuse to be moved by it . [She]_0-her went on , as though [she]_0-her were deaf , through the yelling of [the children]_{452-the children} and the chattering and chaffering of [the trading multitude]_{7776-the trading multitude} . There was [a little street]_{7777-a little street} leading off [the quay]_{3385-the quay} , picturesque and ancient , with [parquetted houses]_{7779-parquetted houses} and quaint painted signs ; at the corner of [it]_{7777-a little street} sat [an old woman]_{5264-an old woman} on a wooden stool , with a huge fan of linen on [her]_{5264-an old woman} head like a mushroom . [She]_{5264-an old woman} was selling roasted chestnuts by the glare of a little horn lantern . By [this woman]_{915-this woman} [she]_0-her paused , and asked the way to [Paris]_10-paris . “_{[4058-good little fathers]} [Paris]_10-paris ! This is a long way from [Paris]_10-paris . ” “_{[4056-the gipsy]} How far — to walk ? ” “_[0-her] That depends . [[My]_0-her boy]_{7256-my boy} went up [there]_439-there on foot last summer ; [he]_{7256-my boy} is [a young fool , blotting and messing with ink and paper]_{4061-a young fool , blotting and messing with ink and paper} , while [he]_{7256-my boy} talks of being [a great man]_{3970-a great man} , and sups with the rats in [the sewers]_{4063-the sewers} ! [He]_{7256-my boy} , [I]_0-her think , was a week walking it . It is pleasant enough in fair weather . But [you]_4064-you — [you]_4064-you are [a gipsy]_{4065-a gipsy} . Where are [[your]_0-her people]_{4066-your people} ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her have [no people]_{4067-no people} . ” [She]_0-her did not know even what this epithet of gipsy , which [they]_{4066-your people} so often cast at [her]_0-her , really meant . [She]_0-her remembered the old life of [the Liébana]_{16-the liébana} , but [she]_0-her did not know what manner of life it had been ; and since [Phratos]_121-phratos had left [her]_0-her [there]_439-there , [no one of [[his]_121-phratos tribe]_{843-his tribe} or of [[his]_121-phratos kind]_{1838-his kind}]_{7783-no one of his tribe or of his kind} had been seen in [the little Norman town]_{7786-the little norman town} among [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} . [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} grinned , trimming [her]_{334-the old woman} lantern . “_[0-her] If [you]_0-her are too bad for [them]_4068-them , [you]_0-her must be bad indeed ! [You]_0-her will do very well for [Paris]_10-paris , no doubt . ” And [she]_0-her began to count [her]_0-her chestnuts , lest [this stranger]_{554-this stranger} should steal any of them . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} took no notice of the words . “_[0-her] Will [you]_0-her show [me]_0-her which is the road to take ? ” [she]_0-her asked . Meanwhile [the street boy]_{7790-the street boy} had brought [three or four of [[his]_{7790-the street boy} comrades]_{7792-his comrades}]_{7791-three or four of his comrades} to stare at [her]_0-her ; and [they]_{7791-three or four of his comrades} were dancing round [her]_0-her with grotesque grimace , and singing , “_[0-her] Houpe là , Houpe là ! Burn [her]_4069-her for [a witch]_{5950-a witch} ! ” [The woman]_{633-the woman} directed [her]_0-her which [roads]_7794-roads to go as well as [she]_0-her could for the falling darkness , and [she]_0-her thanked [the woman]_{633-the woman} and went . [The street children]_{7796-the street children} ran at [her]_0-her heels like [little curs]_{7797-little curs} , yelling and hissing foul language ; but [she]_0-her ran too , and was swifter than [they]_{7796-the street children} , and outstripped [them]_{7796-the street children} , the hardy training of [her]_0-her limbs standing [her]_0-her in good service . How far [she]_0-her ran , or what [streets]_7798-streets [she]_0-her traversed , [she]_0-her could not tell ; [the chestnut‐seller]_{7799-the chestnut‐seller} had said . “_[0-her] Leave the pole‐star behind [you]_4071-you , ” and the star was shining behind [her]_0-her always , and [she]_0-her ran south steadily . [Great buildings]_{7800-great buildings} , [lighted casements]_{7801-lighted casements} , high stone walls , groups of [people]_476-people , [troopers]_{7803-troopers} drinking , [girls]_7804-girls laughing , [men]_364-men playing dominoes in [the taverns]_{1299-the taverns} , [women]_365-women chattering in [the coffee‐houses]_{7808-the coffee‐houses} , [a line of [priests]_493-priests going to a death‐bed with the bell ringing before [the Host]_{7811-the host}]_{7809-a line of priests going to a death‐bed with the bell ringing before the host} , a line of [soldiers]_{1969-soldiers} filing through great doors as the drums beat the return into barracks,—thousands of these pictures glowed in [her]_0-her path a moment , with the next to fade and give place to [others]_5531-others . But [she]_0-her looked neither to the right or left , and held on straightly for the south . Once or twice [a man]_{4875-a man} halloed after [her]_0-her , or [a soldier]_{2240-a soldier} tried to stop [her]_0-her . Once , going through the gateway in the southern wall , [a sentinel]_{7816-a sentinel} challenged [her]_0-her , and levelled [his]_{7816-a sentinel} bayonet only a second too late . But [she]_0-her eluded [them]_7817-them all by the swiftness of [her]_0-her apparition , and [she]_0-her got out safe beyond the barriers of [the town]_{482-the town} , and on to [the road that led to [the country,—a road]_{7820-the country,—a road}]_{7819-the road that led to the country,—a road} quiet and white in the moonlight , and bordered on either side with the tall poplars and [the dim , bare , reapen fields which looked to [her]_0-her like [dear familiar friends]_{7822-dear familiar friends}]_{7821-the dim , bare , reapen fields which looked to her like dear familiar friends} . It was lonely , and [she]_0-her sat down on a stone by the wayside and rested . [She]_0-her had no hesitation in what [she]_0-her was doing . [He]_{4875-a man} had gone [south]_7823-south , and [she]_0-her would go likewise ; that [she]_0-her might fail to find [him]_{4875-a man} [there]_439-there , never occurred to [her]_0-her . Of what [a city]_{6616-a city} was [she]_0-her had not yet any conception ; [her]_0-her sole measurement of one was [the little towns whither [she]_0-her had driven the mules to sell the fruits and the fowls for [Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma}]_{7826-the little towns whither she had driven the mules to sell the fruits and the fowls for flamma} . To have been cheated of [Paris]_10-paris , and to find [herself]_0-her thus far distant from [it]_10-paris appalled [her]_0-her , and made [her]_0-her heart sink . But it had no power to make [her]_0-her hesitate in the course [she]_0-her took . [She]_0-her had no fear and no doubt : the worst thing that could have come to [her]_0-her had come already ; the silence and the strength of absolute despair were on [her]_0-her . Besides , a certain thrill of liberty was on [her]_0-her . For the first time in all [her]_0-her life [she]_0-her was absolutely free , with the freedom of the will and of the body both . [She]_0-her was no longer captive to one place , bondslave to one tyranny ; [she]_0-her was no longer driven with curses and commands , and yoked and harnessed every moment of [her]_0-her days . To [her]_0-her , with the blood of a tameless race in [her]_0-her , there was a certain force and elasticity in this deliverance from bondage , that lifted some measure of [her]_0-her great woe off [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her could not be absolutely wretched so long as the open sky was above [her]_0-her , and the smell of [the fields]_{316-the fields} about [her]_0-her , and on [her]_0-her face the breath of the blowing winds . [She]_0-her had that love which is as the bezoar stone of fable — an amulet that makes all wounds unfelt , and death a thing to smile at in derision . Besides , there was in [her]_0-her veins a certain thrill of the sweetness of liberty . [She]_0-her was no longer captive to [one place]_{7828-one place} , or bound in the old bonds of servitude . [She]_0-her was free — with the freedom of the will and of the body . Without some strong impulsion from without , [she]_0-her might never have cut [herself]_0-her adrift from the tyranny that had held [her]_0-her down from childhood ; and even the one happiness [she]_0-her had known had been but little more than the exchange of one manner of slavery for another . But now [she]_0-her was free — absolutely free ; and in the calm , cool night — in the dusk and the solitude , with the smell of the fields around [her]_0-her , and above [her]_0-her the stars , [she]_0-her knew it and was glad,—glad even amidst the woe of loneliness and the agony of abandonment . [She]_0-her sat awhile by [the roadside]_{7829-the roadside} and counted [his]_7830-his gold by the gleam of the stars , and put it away securely in [her]_0-her girdle , and drank from the brook beside [her]_0-her , and tried to eat a little of the bread which [the old boat‐man]_{7831-the old boat‐man} had given [her]_0-her as [her]_0-her wages , with three pieces of copper money . But the crust choked [her]_0-her ; [she]_0-her felt hot with fever , and [her]_0-her throat was parched and full of pain . The moon was full upon [her]_0-her where [she]_0-her sat ; the red and white of [her]_0-her dress bore a strange look ; [her]_0-her face was colourless , and [her]_0-her eyes looked but the larger and more lustrous for the black shadows beneath them , and the weary swollen droop of [their]_7832-their lids . [She]_0-her rested there , and pondered on the next step [she]_0-her had best take . [A woman]_{4876-a woman} came past [her]_0-her , and stopped and looked . The moonlight was strong upon [her]_0-her face . “_[4071-you] [You]_4072-you are [a handsome wench]_{4073-a handsome wench} , ” said [the wayfarer , who was elderly and of pleasant visage]_{7834-the wayfarer , who was elderly and of pleasant visage} ; “_{[4073-a handsome wench]} too handsome , a vast deal , to be sitting alone like one lost . What is the matter ? ” “_{[6231-a lover]} Nothing ! ” [she]_0-her answered . [The old reserve]_{7835-the old reserve} clung to [her]_0-her and fenced [her]_0-her secret in , as the prickles of a cactus hedge may fence in the magnolia ’s flower of snow . “_{[6231-a lover]} What , then ? Have [you]_4072-you a [home]_497-home ? ” “_{[6231-a lover]} No . ” “_{[6231-a lover]} Eh ! [You]_4072-you must have [a lover]_{6231-a lover} ? ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ’s lips grew whiter , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} shrank a little ; but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} answered , steadily : “_{[6231-a lover]} No . ” “_{[6231-a lover]} No ! And at [your]_4072-you age ; and handsome as a ripe , red apple,—with [your]_4072-you skin of satin , and [your]_4072-you tangle of hair ! Fie , for shame ! Are [the men]_{450-the men} blind ? Where do [you]_4072-you rest to‐night ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her am going on — [south]_7823-south . ” “_[0-her] And mean to walk all night ? Pooh ! Come [home]_497-home with [me]_0-her , and sup and sleep . [I]_0-her live hard by , just inside the walls . ” [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} opened [her]_{104-folle‐farine} great eyes wide . It was the first creature who had ever offered [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hospitality . It was [an old woman]_{5264-an old woman} , too ; there could be nothing but kindness in the offer , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought ; and kindness was so strange to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , that it troubled [her]_{104-folle‐farine} more than did cruelty . “_[0-her] [You]_4072-you are good , ” [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said , gratefully,—“very_[4072-you] good ; but [I]_0-her can not come . ” “_[0-her] Can not come ! Why , then ? ” “_[0-her] Because [I]_0-her must go on to [Paris]_10-paris ; [I]_0-her can not lost an hour . Nevertheless , it is good of [you]_4072-you . ” [The old woman]_{334-the old woman} laughed roughly . “_[4072-you] Oh , ho ! the red apple must go to [Paris]_10-paris . [No other market]_{4079-no other market} grand enough ! Is that it ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her do not know what [you]_0-her mean . ” “_[0-her] But stay with [me]_0-her to‐night . [The roads]_{5883-the roads} are dangerous . There are [vagrants]_{4081-vagrants} and [ill‐livers]_{4082-ill‐livers} about . There are great fogs , too , in [this district]_{4083-this district} ; and [you]_4072-you will meet [drunken soldiers]_{4084-drunken soldiers} and [beggars]_1906-beggars that will rob [you]_4072-you . Come [home]_497-home with [me]_0-her . [I]_0-her have [a pretty little place]_{4087-a pretty little place} , though poor ; and [you]_4072-you shall have such fare as [I]_0-her give [[my]_0-her own daughter]_{4088-my own daughter} . And maybe [you]_4072-you will see [two or three of [the young nobles]_{4090-the young nobles}]_{4089-two or three of the young nobles} . [They]_{4089-two or three of the young nobles} look in for a laugh and a song — all innocent : [[my]_0-her girls]_{4091-my girls} are [favourites]_{4092-favourites} . Come , it is not a stone ’s throw through the south gate . ” “_[4072-you] [You]_4072-you are too good ; but [I]_0-her can not come . As for [the road]_{4855-the road} , [I]_0-her am not afraid . [I]_0-her have a good knife , and [I]_0-her am strong . ” [She]_0-her spoke in all unconsciousness , in [her]_0-her heart thankful to this , [the first human creature that had ever offered [her]_0-her shelter or good nature]_{7838-the first human creature that had ever offered her shelter or good nature} . [The woman]_{633-the woman} darted one sharp look at [her]_0-her , venomous as [an adder]_{7840-an adder} ’s bite ; then bade [her]_0-her a short good‐night , and went on [her]_0-her way to [the gates of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{7841-the gates of the town} . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} rose up and walked on , taking [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} own southward road]_{7843-her own southward road} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was ignorant of any peril that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had escaped . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} did not know that the only animals which prey upon [the young of [their]_{7844-the young of their own sex and kind} own sex and kind]_{7844-the young of their own sex and kind} are [women]_365-women . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was very tired ; long want of sleep , anguish , and bodily fatigue made [her]_{104-folle‐farine} dull , and too exhausted to keep long upon [her]_{104-folle‐farine} feet . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} looked about [her]_{104-folle‐farine} for some place of rest ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew that if [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did not husband [her]_{104-folle‐farine} strength , it might fail [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ere [she]_{104-folle‐farine} reached [him]_7846-him , and stretch [her]_{104-folle‐farine} on a sick‐bed in [some hospital of [the poor]_{5743-the poor}]_{7847-some hospital of the poor} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} passed [two of [three cottages standing by [the roadside]_{7829-the roadside} , with light gleaming through [their]_{7849-two of three cottages standing by the roadside , with light gleaming through their shutters} shutters]_{7850-three cottages standing by the roadside , with light gleaming through their shutters}]_{7849-two of three cottages standing by the roadside , with light gleaming through their shutters} ; but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did not knock at [any one of [them]_{7849-two of three cottages standing by the roadside , with light gleaming through their shutters}]_{7852-any one of them} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was afraid of spending [her]_{104-folle‐farine} three copper coins ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was too proud to seek food or lodging as an alms . [By‐and‐by]_{235-by‐and‐by} when came to [a little shed]_{7853-a little shed} , standing where [no house]_{7854-no house} was . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} looked in [it]_{7853-a little shed} , and saw [it]_{7853-a little shed} full of the last season ’s hay , dry and sweet‐smelling , tenanted only by a cat rolled round in slumber . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} crept into [it]_{7853-a little shed} , and laid [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} down and slept , the bright starry skies shining on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} through the open space that served for entrance , the clatter of a little brook under the poplar trees the only sound upon the quiet air . Footsteps went past twice or thrice , and once a waggon rolled lumbering by ; but [no one]_{264-no one} came thither to disturb [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} sank into a fitful heavy sleep . At daybreak [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was again afoot , always on [the broad road to [the south‐west]_{7857-the south‐west}]_{7856-the broad road to the south‐west} . With one of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} coins [she]_{104-folle‐farine} bought a loaf and a draught of milk , at [a hamlet through which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went]_{7858-a hamlet through which she went} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was surprised to find that [people]_476-people spoke to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} without a curse or taunt , and dealt with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} as with [any other human being]_{7860-any other human being} . Insensibly with the change of treatment , and with the fresh sweet air , and with the brisk movement that bore [her]_{104-folle‐farine} on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way , [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart grew lighter , and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} old dauntless spirit rose again . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} would find [him]_7861-him , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} thought , as soon as ever [she]_{104-folle‐farine} entered [Paris]_10-paris ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would watch over [him]_7861-him , and only go near [him]_7861-him if [he]_7861-him needed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . And then , and then—. But [her]_{104-folle‐farine} thoughts went no further . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} shut the future out from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; it appalled [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . Only one thing was clear before [her]_{104-folle‐farine} — that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would get [him]_7861-him the greatness that [he]_7861-him thirsted for , if any payment of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} body or [her]_{104-folle‐farine} soul , life or death , could purchase it . A great purpose nerves the life it lives in , so that no personal terrors can assail , nor any minor woes afflict it . Hunger , thirst , fatigue , hardship , danger,—these were all in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} path , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had each in turn ; but not one of them unnerved [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . To reach [Paris]_10-paris , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} felt that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would have walked through flames , or fasted forty days . For two days and nights [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went on — days cloudless , nights fine and mild ; then came a day of storm — sharp hail and loud thunder . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} went on through it all the same , the agony in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart made the glare of lightning and the roar of winds no more to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} than the sigh of an April breeze over [a primrose bank]_{7862-a primrose bank} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had various fortunes on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way . [A party of tramps crossing [a meadow]_{7864-a meadow}]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} set on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and tried to insult [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} showed [them]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} [her]_{104-folle‐farine} knife , and with the blade bare against [her]_{104-folle‐farine} throat , made [them]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} fall back , and scattered [them]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} . [A dirty and tattered group of gipsies]_{7865-a dirty and tattered group of gipsies} , squatting in [a dry ditch under a tarpaulin]_{7866-a dry ditch under a tarpaulin} , hailed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and wanted [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to join with [them]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} and share [their]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} broken food . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} eluded [them]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} with disgust ; [they]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} were not like [the gitanos of [Liébana]_{16-the liébana}]_{7867-the gitanos of liébana} , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} took [them]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} to be [beggars]_1906-beggars and [thieves]_7869-thieves , as indeed , [they]_{7863-a party of tramps crossing a meadow} were . At [a little wayside cabin]_{7870-a little wayside cabin} , [a girl , with a bright rosy face]_{7871-a girl , with a bright rosy face} , spoke softly and cheerily to [her]_{7871-a girl , with a bright rosy face} , and bade [her]_{7871-a girl , with a bright rosy face} rest awhile on the bench in [the porch under the vines]_{7872-the porch under the vines} ; and brought out some white pigeons to show [her]_{7871-a girl , with a bright rosy face} ; and asked [her]_{7871-a girl , with a bright rosy face} , with interest , whence [she]_{7871-a girl , with a bright rosy face} came . And [she]_{104-folle‐farine} , in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} fierceness and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} shyness , was touched , and wondered greatly that any female thing could be thus good . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} met [an old man with an organ on [his]_{7873-an old man with an organ on his back , and a monkey on his shoulder} back , and a monkey on [his]_{7873-an old man with an organ on his back , and a monkey on his shoulder} shoulder]_{7873-an old man with an organ on his back , and a monkey on his shoulder} . [He]_{7873-an old man with an organ on his back , and a monkey on his shoulder} was old and infirm . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} carried [his]_{7873-an old man with an organ on his back , and a monkey on his shoulder} organ for [him]_{7873-an old man with an organ on his back , and a monkey on his shoulder} awhile , as [they]_7874-they went along [the same road]_{7875-the same road} ; and [he]_{7873-an old man with an organ on his back , and a monkey on his shoulder} was gentle and kind in return , and made the route [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had to take clear to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and told [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , with a shake of [his]_{7873-an old man with an organ on his back , and a monkey on his shoulder} head that [Paris]_10-paris would either be hell or [heaven]_1212-heaven to such as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} . And [she]_{104-folle‐farine} , hearing , smiled a little , for the first time since [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had left [Yprès]_11-yprès , and thought — heaven or hell , what would it matter which , so long as [she]_{104-folle‐farine} found [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ? Of [Dante]_236-dante [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had never heard ; but the spirit of the “_[0-her] questi chi mai da [me]_0-her [non piu diviso ”]_{7877-non piu diviso ”} dwells untaught in every great love . Once , at night , [a vagrant]_{885-a vagrant} tried to rob [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , having watched [her]_{104-folle‐farine} count the gold and notes which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} carried in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} girdle . [He]_{885-a vagrant} dragged [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to a lonely place , and snatched at the red sash , grasping the money with it ; but [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was too quick for [him]_{885-a vagrant} , and beat [him]_{885-a vagrant} off in such a fashion that [he]_{885-a vagrant} slunk away limping , and told [[his]_{885-a vagrant} fellows]_{1912-his fellows} to beware of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} ; for [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had the spring of a cat , and the stroke of a swan ’s wing . On the whole , [the world]_{268-the world} seemed better to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} than it had done : [the men]_{450-the men} were seldom insolent , taking warning from the look in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} flashing eyes and the straight carriage of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} flexible frame ; and [the women]_{472-the women} more than once were kind . [Many peasants]_{7883-many peasants} passed [her]_{104-folle‐farine} on [[their]_{7883-many peasants} market‐mules]_{7884-their market‐mules} , and [many carriers]_{7885-many carriers} ’ carts and [farm‐waggons]_{7886-farm‐waggons} went by along [the sunny roads]_{7887-the sunny roads} . Sometimes [[their]_{7883-many peasants} drivers]_{7888-their drivers} called to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to get up , and gave [her]_{104-folle‐farine} a lift of a league or two on [their]_{7883-many peasants} piles of grass , or straw , or amongst [their]_{7883-many peasants} crates of cackling poultry , as [they]_{7883-many peasants} made [their]_{7883-many peasants} slow way between the lines of the trees , with [their]_{7883-many peasants} horses nodding heavily under the weight of [their]_{7883-many peasants} uncouth harness . All this while [she]_{104-folle‐farine} never touched the gold that [he]_{7888-their drivers} had given [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . Very little food sufficed to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} : [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had been hardly reared ; and for the little [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had [she]_{104-folle‐farine} worked always , on [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way . A load carried , a lost sheep fetched in , some wood hewn and stacked , [a crying calf]_{7889-a crying calf} fed , a cabbage‐patch dug or watered , these got [her]_{104-folle‐farine} the simple fare which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} fed on ; and for lodging [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was to none indebted , preferring to lie down by the side of the cows in [[their]_{7883-many peasants} stalls]_{7890-their stalls} , or under a stack against [some little blossoming garden]_{7891-some little blossoming garden} . [The people]_{4948-the people} had no prejudice against [her]_{104-folle‐farine} : [she]_{104-folle‐farine} found [few foes]_{7893-few foes} , when [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had left [the district]_{295-the district} that knew the story of [Reine Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} ; [they]_{4948-the people} were , on the contrary , amused with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} strange picture‐like look , and awed with the sad brevity of [her]_{104-folle‐farine} speech to [them]_{4948-the people} . Sometimes it chanced to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to get no tasks of any sort to do , and at these times [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went without food : touch [his]_7895-his gold [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would not . On [the road]_{4855-the road} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did what good [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} walked a needless league to carry home [a child who had broken [his]_7895-his leg in [a lonely lane]_{7898-a lonely lane}]_{7897-a child who had broken his leg in a lonely lane} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} sought , in a foggy night , for [the straying goat of [a wretched woman]_{7900-a wretched woman}]_{7899-the straying goat of a wretched woman} ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saved [an infant]_{7901-an infant} from the flames in [a little cabin burning in the midst of [the green fields]_{7903-the green fields}]_{7902-a little cabin burning in the midst of the green fields} : [she]_{104-folle‐farine} did what came in [her]_{104-folle‐farine} path to do . For [her]_{104-folle‐farine} heart was half broken ; and this was [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way of prayer . So , by tedious endeavour , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} won [her]_{104-folle‐farine} passage wearily towards [Paris]_10-paris . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had been nine days on [the road]_{4855-the road} , losing [her]_{104-folle‐farine} way at times , and having often wearily to retrace [her]_{104-folle‐farine} steps . On the tenth day [she]_{104-folle‐farine} came to [a little town]_{1147-a little town} lying in [a green hollow amidst woods]_{7906-a green hollow amidst woods} . [It]_{1147-a little town} had [an ancient church]_{7907-an ancient church} ; the old sweet bells were ringing a last midday mass ; [a crumbling fortress of [the Angevine kings]_{7909-the angevine kings}]_{7908-a crumbling fortress of the angevine kings} gave [it]_{1147-a little town} majesty and shadow ; [it]_{1147-a little town} was full of flowers and of trees , and had quaint , quiet , grey streets , hilly and shady , that made [her]_{104-folle‐farine} think of the streets round about [the cathedral of [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} mother]_{774-her mother} ’s birthplace]_{7910-the cathedral of her mother ’s birthplace} , away north‐westward in [the white sea‐mists]_{7912-the white sea‐mists} . When [she]_{104-folle‐farine} entered [it]_{1147-a little town} , noon had just sounded from all its many clocks and chimes . The weather was hot , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was very tired . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had not eaten any food , save some berries and green leaves , for more than forty hours . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} had been refused anything to do in all places ; and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had no money — except that gold of [his]_7913-his . There was [a little tavern]_{7914-a little tavern} , vine‐shaded , and bright with a late‐flowering rose that hid [its]_{7914-a little tavern} casements . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} asked [there]_439-there , timidly , if there were any task [she]_{104-folle‐farine} might do,—to fetch water , to sweep , to break wood , to drive or to stable a mule or a horse ? [They]_7916-they took [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to be [a gipsy]_{4065-a gipsy} ; [they]_7916-they ordered [her]_{104-folle‐farine} roughly to be gone . Through the square window [she]_{104-folle‐farine} could see food — a big juicy melon cut in halves , sweet yellow cakes , warm and crisp from the oven , a white chicken , cold and dressed with cresses , a jug of milk , an abundance of bread . And [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hunger was very great . Nine days of sharper privation than even that to which [she]_{104-folle‐farine} had been inured in the penury of [Yprès]_11-yprès had made [her]_{104-folle‐farine} cheeks hollow and [her]_{104-folle‐farine} limbs fleshless ; and a continual consuming heat and pain gnawed at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} chest . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} sat on a bench that was free to [all wayfarers]_{7918-all wayfarers} , and looked at the food in [the tavern‐kitchen]_{7919-the tavern‐kitchen} . It tempted [her]_{104-folle‐farine} with the animal ravenousness begotten by long fast . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} wanted to fly at it as a starved dog flies . [A rosy‐faced woman]_{7920-a rosy‐faced woman} cut up the chicken on a china dish , singing . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , outside , looked at [her]_{104-folle‐farine} , and took courage from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} smiling face . “_[4094-you] Will [you]_4094-you give [me]_0-her a little work ? ” [she]_0-her murmured . “_[4094-you] Anything — anything — so that [I]_0-her may get bread . ” “_[0-her] [You]_0-her are [a gipsy]_{4065-a gipsy} , ” answered [the woman]_{633-the woman} , ceasing to smile . “_[0-her] Go to [[your]_0-her own folk]_{4096-your own folk} . ” And [she]_{633-the woman} would not offer [her]_{104-folle‐farine} even a plate of broken victuals . [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} rose and walked wearily away . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} could not bear the sight of the food ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} felt that if [she]_{104-folle‐farine} looked at it longer [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would spring on it like a wolf . But to use [his]_4094-you gold never occurred to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} would have bitten [her]_{104-folle‐farine} tongue through in famine ere [she]_{104-folle‐farine} would have taken one coin of it . As [she]_{104-folle‐farine} went , being weak from long hunger and the stroke of the sun‐rays , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stumbled and fell . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} recovered [herself]_{104-folle‐farine} quickly ; but in the fall the money had shaken itself from [her]_{104-folle‐farine} sash , and been scattered with a ringing sound among the stones . [The woman in [the tavern‐window]_{7923-the tavern‐window}]_{7922-the woman in the tavern‐window} raised a loud cry . “_{[4096-your own folk]} Oh , hè ! [the wicked liar!—to]_{4097-the wicked liar!—to} beg bread while [her]_{4097-the wicked liar!—to} waistband is stuffed like a turkey with chestnuts ! What [a rogue]_{5969-a rogue} to try and dupe [poor honest people like [us]_4100-us]_{4099-poor honest people like us} ! Take [her]_{4097-the wicked liar!—to} to [prison]_4101-prison . ” [The woman]_{633-the woman} cried loud ; there were [half‐a‐dozen stout serving‐wenches]_{7925-half‐a‐dozen stout serving‐wenches} and [stable‐lads]_{7926-stable‐lads} about in [the little street]_{7927-the little street} , with [several boys]_{7928-several boys} and [children]_366-children . Indignant at the thought of an attempted fraud upon [their]_{7928-several boys} charity , and amazed at the flash and the fall of the money , [they]_{7928-several boys} rushed on [her]_{633-the woman} with shrieks of rage and scorn , with missiles of turf and stone , with [their]_{7928-several boys} brooms raised aloft , or [their]_{7928-several boys} dogs set to rage at [her]_{633-the woman} . [She]_{633-the woman} had not time to gather up the coins and notes ; [she]_{633-the woman} could only stand over them and defend them . [Two beggar‐boys]_{7930-two beggar‐boys} made snatch at the tempting heap ; [she]_{633-the woman} drew [her]_{633-the woman} knife to daunt [them]_{7930-two beggar‐boys} with the sight of it . [The people]_{4948-the people} shrieked at sight of the bare blade ; [a woman selling honeycomb and lots of honey]_{7932-a woman selling honeycomb and lots of honey} at a bench under a lime‐tree raised a cry that [she]_{633-the woman} had been robbed . It was not true ; but [a street crowd]_{7933-a street crowd} always loves a lie , and never risks spoiling , by sifting , it . [The beggar‐lads]_{7934-the beggar‐lads} and [the two serving‐wenches]_{7935-the two serving‐wenches} and an old virago from a cottage‐door near set upon [her]_{633-the woman} , and scrambled together to drive [her]_{633-the woman} away from the gold and share it . Resolute to defend it at any peril , [she]_{633-the woman} set [her]_{633-the woman} heel down on it , and , with [her]_{633-the woman} back against the tree , stood firm ; not striking , but with the point of the knife outward . One of [the boys , maddened to get the gold]_{7936-the boys , maddened to get the gold} , darted forward , twisted [his]_{7936-the boys , maddened to get the gold} limbs round [her]_{633-the woman} , and struggled with [her]_{633-the woman} for its possession . In the struggle [he]_{7936-the boys , maddened to get the gold} wounded [himself]_{7936-the boys , maddened to get the gold} upon the steel . [His]_{7936-the boys , maddened to get the gold} arm bled largely ; [he]_{7936-the boys , maddened to get the gold} filled the air with [his]_{7936-the boys , maddened to get the gold} shrieks ; [the people]_{4948-the people} , furious , accused [her]_{633-the woman} of [his]_{7936-the boys , maddened to get the gold} murder . Before five minutes had gone by [she]_{633-the woman} was seized , overpowered by [numbers]_7938-numbers , cuffed , kicked , upbraided with every name of infamy , and dragged as [a criminal]_{7939-a criminal} up [the little steep stony street]_{7940-the little steep stony street} in the blaze of the noonday sun , whilst on each side [the townsfolk]_{702-the townsfolk} looked out from [their]_{702-the townsfolk} doorways and [[their]_{702-the townsfolk} balconies]_{7942-their balconies} , and cried out : “_{[5969-a rogue]} What is it ? Oh , hè ! [A brawling gipsy]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , who has stolen something , and has stabbed [poor little [Fréki]_237-fréki , [the blind man]_{4104-the blind man} ’s son]_{4103-poor little fréki , the blind man ’s son} , because [he]_{4104-the blind man} found [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} out ? [Au violon!—au violon]_{238-au violon!—au violon} ! What is it ? ” To which [the groups]_{7943-the groups} called back again , “_{[4105-a thief of a gipsy]} Yes . [A thief of [a gipsy]_{4065-a gipsy}]_{4105-a thief of a gipsy} , begging alms while [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had stolen gold on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} has stabbed poor little [Fréki]_237-fréki , [[the blind cobbler]_{4107-the blind cobbler} ’s grandson]_{4108-the blind cobbler ’s grandson} : yes ; [we]_4109-we think [he]_237-fréki is dead . ” And [the people above]_{7944-the people above} , in horror , lifted [their]_{7944-the people above} hands and eyes , and shouted afresh , “_[237-fréki] Au violon!—au violon ! ” Meanwhile [the honey‐seller]_{7945-the honey‐seller} ran beside [them]_{7944-the people above} , crying aloud that [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had been robbed of five broad gold pieces . [It]_7946-its was [a little sunny country‐place , very green with trees and grass , filled usually with few louder sounds than the cacklings of geese and the dripping of well‐water]_{7947-a little sunny country‐place , very green with trees and grass , filled usually with few louder sounds than the cacklings of geese and the dripping of well‐water} . But [its]_7946-its stones were sharp and rough ; [its]_7946-its voices were shrill and fierce ; [its]_7946-its gossips were cruel and false of tongue ; [its]_7946-its justice was very small , and its credulity was measureless . [A girl]_{5074-a girl} , bare‐foot and bare‐headed , with eyes of [the East]_{14-the east} , and a knife in [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} girdle , teeth that met in [[their]_{7944-the people above} youngsters]_{7949-their youngsters} ’ wrists , and gold pieces that scattered like dust from [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} bosom,—such [an one]_{7950-an one} could have no possible innocence in [their]_{7944-the people above} eyes , [such an one]_{7951-such an one} was condemned so soon as [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} was looked at , when [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} was dragged amongst [them]_{7944-the people above} up [their]_{7944-the people above} hilly central way . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had had money on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , and [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had asked for food in the plea of being starved ; that was fraud plain enough , even for those who were free to admit that [the seller of the honey‐pots]_{7952-the seller of the honey‐pots} had never been over‐true of speech , and had never owned so much as five gold pieces ever since [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} first bees had sucked [their]_{7944-the people above} first spray of heath‐bells . [No one]_{264-no one} had any mercy on [a creature who had money , and yet asked for work]_{7954-a creature who had money , and yet asked for work} ; as to [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} guilt , there could be no question . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} was hurried before [the village tribune]_{7955-the village tribune} , and cast into [the cell where [all accused]_{7957-all accused} waited [their]_{7957-all accused} judgement]_{7956-the cell where all accused waited their judgement} . [It]_{7956-the cell where all accused waited their judgement} was [a dusky , loathsome place]_{7958-a dusky , loathsome place} , dripping with damp , half underground , strongly grilled with iron , and smelling foully from the brandy and strong smoke of [two drunkards who had been its occupants]_{7959-two drunkards who had been its occupants} the previous night . There [they]_{7944-the people above} had left [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , taking away [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} knife and [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} money . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} did not resist . It was not [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} nature to rebel futilely ; and [they]_{7944-the people above} had fallen on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} six to one , and had bound [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} safely with cords ere [they]_{7944-the people above} had dragged [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} away to punishment . [The little den]_{7960-the little den} was visible to [the highway]_{5120-the highway} through a square low grating . Through this [they]_{7944-the people above} came and stared , and mouthed , and mocked , and taunted , and danced before [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} . To bait [a gipsy]_{4065-a gipsy} was fair pastime . Everywhere , from door to door , [the blind cobbler]_{4107-the blind cobbler} , with [[his]_{4107-the blind cobbler} little son]_{7964-his little son} , and [the woman who sold honey]_{7965-the woman who sold honey} told [their]_{7944-the people above} tale,—how [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had stabbed [the little lad]_{7966-the little lad} and stolen the gold that the brave bees had brought [[their]_{7944-the people above} mistress]_{7967-their mistress} , and begged for food when [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had money enough on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} to buy [a rich man]_{1207-a rich man} ’s feast . It was a tale to enlist against [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} all the hardest animosities of [the poor]_{5743-the poor} . [The village]_{1466-the village} rose against [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} in all [[its]_{1466-the village} little homes]_{7971-its little homes} as though [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had borne fire and sword into its midst . If the arm of the law had not guarded the entrance of [[her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} prison‐cell]_{7972-her prison‐cell} , [the women]_{472-the women} would have stoned [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} to death , or dragged [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} out to drown in the pond:—she was worse than a murderess in [their]_{7944-the people above} sight ; and [one weak man]_{7974-one weak man} , thinking to shelter [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} a little from [their]_{7944-the people above} rage , quoted against [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} darkest crime when [he]_{7974-one weak man} pleaded for mercy for [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} because [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} was young and was so handsome . The long hot day of torment passed slowly by . Outside there were [cool woods]_{7975-cool woods} , [flower‐filled paths]_{7976-flower‐filled paths} , [broad fields of grass]_{7977-broad fields of grass} , [children]_366-children tossing blow‐balls down the wind , [lovers]_4914-lovers counting the leaves of yellow‐eyed autumn daisies ; but within there were only foul smells , intense nausea , cruel heats , the sting of a thousand insects , the buzz of a hundred carrion‐flies , muddy water , and black mouldy bread . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} held [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} silence . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} would not let [[her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} enemies]_{2248-her enemies} see that [they]_{2248-her enemies} hurt [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} . When [they]_{7944-the people above} day had gone down , and [the people]_{4948-the people} had tired of [their]_{4948-the people} sport and left [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} a little while , [an old feeble man]_{7982-an old feeble man} stole timidly to [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , glancing round lest any should see [his]_{7982-an old feeble man} charity and quote is as a crime , and tendered [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} through the bars with a gentle hand a little ripe autumnal fruit upon a cool green leaf . The kindness made the tears start to eyes too proud to weep for pain . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} took the grapes , and thanked [him]_{7982-an old feeble man} lovingly and thankfully ; cooled [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} aching , burning , dust‐drenched throat with their fragrant moisture . “_[237-fréki] Hush ! it is nothing , ” [he]_{7982-an old feeble man} whispered , frightenedly , glancing over [his]_{7982-an old feeble man} shoulder lest any should see . “_[237-fréki] But tell [me]_0-her — tell [me]_0-her — why did [you]_0-her say [you]_0-her starved when [you]_0-her had all that gold ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her did starve , ” [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} answered [him]_{7982-an old feeble man} . “_[0-her] But why — with all that gold ? ” “_[0-her] It was another ’s . ” [The old man]_{335-the old man} stared at [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , trembling and amazed . “_[0-her] What — what ! die of hunger and keep [your]_0-her hands off money in [your]_0-her girdle ? ” A dreary smile came on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} face . “_[1265-child] What ! is that inhuman too ? ” “_{[240-inhuman]} [Inhuman]_240-inhuman ? ” [he]_{7982-an old feeble man} murmured . “_{[240-inhuman]} [Oh child]_{4110-oh child} — oh [child]_1265-child , tell any tale [you]_0-her will , save such a tale as that . ” And [he]_{7982-an old feeble man} stole away sorrowful , because sure that for [his]_{7982-an old feeble man} fruit of charity [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had given [him]_{7982-an old feeble man} back a lie . [He]_{7982-an old feeble man} shambled away , afraid that [[his]_{7982-an old feeble man} neighbours]_{505-his neighbours} should see the little thing which [he]_{7982-an old feeble man} had done . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} was left alone . It began to grow dark . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} felt scorched with fever , and [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} head throbbed . Long hunger , intense fatigue , and all the agony of thought in which [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} had struggled on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} way , had their reaction on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} shivered where [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} sat on the damp straw which [they]_7985-they had cast upon the stones ; and strange noises sang in [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} ears , and strange lights glimmered and flashed before [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} eyes . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} did not know what ailed [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} . The dogs came and smelt at [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , and [one little early robin]_{7986-one little early robin} sang a twilight song in an elder‐bush near . These were the only things that had any pity on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} . [By‐and‐by]_{235-by‐and‐by} , when it was quite night , [they]_7985-they opened the grated door and thrust in [another captive]_{7987-another captive} , [a vagrant whom [they]_7985-they had found drunk or delirious on [the high road]_{7989-the high road} , and whom [they]_7985-they locked up for the night , that on the morrow [they]_7985-they might determine what to do with [him]_{7987-another captive}]_{7988-a vagrant whom they had found drunk or delirious on the high road , and whom they locked up for the night , that on the morrow they might determine what to do with him} . [He]_{7987-another captive} threw [himself]_{7987-another captive} heavily forward as [he]_{7987-another captive} was pushed in by [the old soldier whose place it was to guard [the miserable den]_{7991-the miserable den}]_{7990-the old soldier whose place it was to guard the miserable den} . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} shrank away into the furthest corner of [the den]_{7992-the den} , and crouched there , breathing heavily , and staring with dull , dilated eyes . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} thought — surely [they]_7985-they could not mean to leave [them]_7985-they there alone , all the night through , in the horrible darkness ? The slamming of the iron door answered [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} ; and [the old soldier]_{2594-the old soldier} , as [he]_{2594-the old soldier} turned the rusty key in the lock , grumbled that [the world]_{268-the world} was surely at a pretty pass , when [two tramps]_{7995-two tramps} became too coy to roost together . And [he]_{2594-the old soldier} stumbled up the ladder‐like stairs of [the guard‐house]_{7996-the guard‐house} to [[his]_{2594-the old soldier} own little chamber]_{7997-his own little chamber} ; and there , smoking and drinking , and playing dominoes with [a comrade]_{7998-a comrade} , dismissed [the prisoners]_{7999-the prisoners} from [his]_{2594-the old soldier} recollection . Meanwhile , [the man whom [he]_{2594-the old soldier} had thrust into [the cell]_{8001-the cell}]_{8000-the man whom he had thrust into the cell} was stretched where [he]_{2594-the old soldier} had fallen , drunk or insensible , and moaning heavily . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , crouching against the wall , as though praying the stones to yield and hold [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , gazed at [him]_{2594-the old soldier} with horror and pity that together strove in the confusion of [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} dizzy brain , and made [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} dully wonder whether [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} were wicked thus to shrink in loathing from [a creature in distress so like [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} own]_{8002-a creature in distress so like her own} . The bright moon rose on the other side of the trees beyond the grating ; it fell across the figure of [the vagrant whom [they]_{7999-the prisoners} had locked in with [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy}]_{8003-the vagrant whom they had locked in with her} , as in the wild‐beast shows of old [they]_{7999-the prisoners} locked a lion with an antelope in the same cage — out of sport . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} saw the looming massive shadow of an immense form , crouched like a couching beast ; [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} saw the fire of burning , wide‐open , sullen eyes ; [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} saw the restless , feeble gesture of two lean hands , that clutched at the barren stones with the futile action of a chained vulture clutching at [his]_{2594-the old soldier} rock ; [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} saw that [the man]_{857-the man} suffered horribly , and [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} tried to pity [him]_{857-the man} — tried not to shrink from [him]_{857-the man} — tried to tell [herself]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} that [he]_{857-the man} might be as guiltless as was [herself]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} . But [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} could not prevail ; nature , instinct , youth , sex , sickness , exhaustion , all conquered [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} , and broke [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} strength . [She]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} recoiled from the unbearable loathsomeness of such association ; [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} sprang to the grated aperture , and seized the iron in [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} hands , and shook it with al [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} might , and tore at it , and bruised [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} chest and arms against it , and clung to it convulsively , shriek after shriek pealing from [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} lips . [No one]_{264-no one} heard , or [no one]_{264-no one} answered to [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} prayer . [A stray dog]_{8007-a stray dog} came and howled in unison ; the moon sailed on behind the trees ; [the old soldier above]_{8008-the old soldier above} slept over [his]_{8008-the old soldier above} toss of brandy ; at the only dwelling near [they]_8009-they were dancing at a bridal , and had no ear to hear . The passionate outcries wailed themselves to silence on [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} trembling mouth ; [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} strained hands gave way from their hold on the irons ; [she]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} grew silent from sheer exhaustion , and dropped in a heap at the foot of the iron door , clinging to it , and crushed against it , and turning [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} face to the night without , feeling some little sense of solace in the calm , clear moon;—some little sense of comfort in the near presence of the dog . Meanwhile the dusky prostrate form of [the man]_{857-the man} had not stirred . [He]_{857-the man} had not spoken , save to curse heaven and [earth]_5276-earth and every living thing . [He]_{857-the man} had not ceased to glare at [her]_{4102-a brawling gipsy} with eyes that had the red light of a tiger ’s in [their]_8009-they pain . [He]_{857-the man} was [a man of superb stature and frame]_{8012-a man of superb stature and frame} ; [he]_{857-the man} was worn by disease and delirium , but [he]_{857-the man} had in [him]_{857-the man} [a wild , leonine , tawny beauty]_{8013-a wild , leonine , tawny beauty} still . [His]_{857-the man} clothes were of rags , and [his]_{857-the man} whole look was of wretchedness ; yet there was about [him]_{857-the man} a certain reckless majesty and splendour still , as the scattered beams of the white moonlight broke themselves upon [him]_{857-the man} . Of a sudden [he]_{857-the man} spoke aloud , with a glitter of terrible laughter on [his]_{857-the man} white teeth and [his]_{857-the man} flashing eyes . [He]_{857-the man} was delirious , and had no consciousness of where [he]_{857-the man} was . “_{[4112-the fourth bull]} [The fourth bull]_{4112-the fourth bull} [I]_0-her had killed that Easter day . Look ! do [you]_4113-you see ? It was a red Andalusian . [He]_{4112-the fourth bull} lamed [three picadors]_{4114-three picadors} , and ripped the bellies of eight horses,—a brave bull ; but [I]_0-her was one too many for [him]_{4112-the fourth bull} . [She]_{4112-the fourth bull} was there . All the winter [she]_{4112-the fourth bull} had flouted over [me]_0-her and taunted [me]_0-her ; all the winter [she]_{4112-the fourth bull} had cast [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} scorn at [me]_0-her — the beautiful brown thing , with [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} cruel eyes . But [she]_{4112-the fourth bull} was there when [I]_0-her slew [the great red bull]_{4115-the great red bull} — straight above there , looking over [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} fan . Do [you]_4113-you see ? And when [my]_0-her sword went up to the hilt in [his]_{4115-the great red bull} throat , and the brave blood spouted , [she]_{4112-the fourth bull} laughed such a little sweet laugh , and cast [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} yellow jessamine flower at [me]_0-her , down in the blood and the sand there . And that night [the red bull]_{4116-the red bull} died , the rope was thrown from [the balcony]_{4117-the balcony} ! So — so ! Only a summer ago ; only a summer ago ! ” Then [he]_{4115-the great red bull} laughed loud again ; and , laughing , sang — The rich loud challenge of the love‐song snapped short in two . With a groan and a curse [he]_{4115-the great red bull} flung [himself]_{4115-the great red bull} on the mud floor , and clutched at it with [his]_{4115-the great red bull} empty hands . “_[4120-you] Wine!—wine ! ” [he]_{4115-the great red bull} moaned , lying athirst there as the red bull had lain on [the sands of the circus]_{8014-the sands of the circus} ; longing for the purple draughts of [his]_{4115-the great red bull} old feast‐nights , as the red bull had longed for the mountain‐streams , so cold and strong , of [[his]_{4115-the great red bull} own Andalusian birthplace]_{8015-his own andalusian birthplace} . Then [he]_{4115-the great red bull} laughed again , and sang old songs of [Spain]_22-spain , broken and marred by discord — their majestic melodies wedded strangely to many a stave of lewd riot and of amorous verse . Then for awhile [he]_{4115-the great red bull} was quiet , moaning dully , staring upward at the white face of the moon . After a while [he]_{4115-the great red bull} mocked it — the cold , chaste thing that was [the meek trickster of [so many mole‐eyed lords]_{8017-so many mole‐eyed lords}]_{8016-the meek trickster of so many mole‐eyed lords} . Through the terror and the confusion of [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} mind , with the sonorous melody of the tongue , with the flaming darkness of [his]_{4115-the great red bull} eyes , with the wild barbaric dissolute grandeur of this shattered manhood , vague memories floated , distorted and intangible , before [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} . Of deep forests whose shade was cool even in midsummer and midday ; of glancing torrents rushing through [their]_8018-their beds of stone ; of mountain snows flushing in sunset toll the hues of the mountain roses that grew by millions by [the river‐water]_{8019-the river‐water} ; of wondrous nights , sultry and serene , in which [women with flashing glances and bare breasts]_{8020-women with flashing glances and bare breasts} danced with [their]_{8020-women with flashing glances and bare breasts} spangled anklets glittering in the rays of the moon ; of [roofless palaces where the Crescent still glistened amidst the colours of the walls]_{8021-roofless palaces where the crescent still glistened amidst the colours of the walls} ; of [marble courts where only the oleander kept pomp and the wild fig‐vine held possession]_{8022-marble courts where only the oleander kept pomp and the wild fig‐vine held possession} ; of [a dead nation which at midnight thronged through the tombs of [[its]_8024-its kings]_{8025-its kings} , and passed in shadowy hosts through the fated land which had rejected the faith and [the empire of Islam]_{8026-the empire of islam} ; sowing as [they]_8027-they went upon [the blood‐soaked soil of [Spain]_22-spain]_{8028-the blood‐soaked soil of spain}]_{8023-a dead nation which at midnight thronged through the tombs of its kings , and passed in shadowy hosts through the fated land which had rejected the faith and the empire of islam ; sowing as they went upon the blood‐soaked soil of spain} the vengeance of the dead in pestilence , in anarchy , in barren passions , in endless riot and revolt , so that [no sovereign]_{8029-no sovereign} should ever sit in peace on the ruined throne of [the Moslem]_{241-the moslem} , and no light shine ever again upon [the people whose boast it once had been on [them]_{8030-the people whose boast it once had been on them}]_{8030-the people whose boast it once had been on them} the sun in heaven never set:—all these memories floated before [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} , and only served to make [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} fear more ghastly , [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} horror more unearthly . There [he]_8031-his lay delirious — [a madman chained there at [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} feet]_{8032-a madman chained there at her feet} , so close in [the little den]_{7960-the little den} , that , shrink as [she]_{4112-the fourth bull} would against the wall , [she]_{4112-the fourth bull} could barely keep from the touch of [his]_8031-his hands as they were flung forth in the air , from the scorch of [his]_8031-his breath as [he]_8031-his raved and cursed . And there was no light except the fire in [his]_8031-his eyes ; except the flicker of the moonbeam through the leaves . [She]_{4112-the fourth bull} spent [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} strength in piteous shrieks . They were the first cries that had ever broken from [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} lips for human aid ; and they were vain . [The guard above]_{8034-the guard above} slept heavy with brandy and [a dotard]_{8035-a dotard} ’s dreams . [The village]_{1466-the village} was not aroused . What cared any of [[its]_{1466-the village} sleepers]_{8037-its sleepers} how [these outcasts]_{8038-these outcasts} fared ? [She]_{4112-the fourth bull} crouched in the farthest corner , when [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} voice had spent itself in the passion of appeal . The night — would it ever end ? Beside its horror , all the wretchedness and bondage of [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} old life seemed like peace and freedom . Writhing in pain and frenzy , [the wounded drunkard]_{8039-the wounded drunkard} struck [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} — all unconscious of the blow — across [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} eyes , and fell , contorted and senseless , with [his]_8031-his head upon [her]_{4112-the fourth bull} knees . [He]_8031-his had ceased to shout [his]_8031-his amorous songs , and vaunt [his]_8031-his lustful triumphs . [His]_8031-his voice was hollow in [his]_8031-his throat , and babbled with a strange sound , low and fast and inarticulate . “_[4120-you] In [the little green wood]_{4118-the little green wood} — in [the little green wood]_{4118-the little green wood} , ” [he]_8031-his muttered . “_[4120-you] Hark ! do [you]_4120-you hear the mill‐water run ? [She]_4121-she looked so white and so cold ; and [they]_4122-they all called [her]_4121-she [a saint]_{4870-a saint} . What could [a man]_{4875-a man} do but kill that ? Does [she]_4121-she cry out against [me]_0-her ? [You]_4120-you say so ? [You]_4120-you lie . [You]_4120-you lie — be [you]_4120-you devil or [god]_4125-god . [You]_4120-you sit on a great white throne and judge [us]_4126-us all . So [they]_4122-they say . [You]_4120-you can send [us]_4126-us to hell ? . . . . Well , do . [You]_4120-you shall never wring a word from [her]_4121-she to [my]_0-her hurt . [She]_4121-she thinks [I]_0-her killed [the child]_{272-the child} ? Nay — that [I]_0-her swear . [Phratos]_121-phratos knew , [I]_0-her think . But [he]_121-phratos is dead;—so [they]_4122-they say . Ask [him]_121-phratos . . . . [[My]_0-her brown queen]_{4128-my brown queen} , who saw [me]_0-her kill the red bull,—are [you]_4120-you there too ? Aye . How the white jewels shine in [your]_4120-you breast ! Stoop a little , and kiss [me]_0-her . So ! [Your]_4120-you mouth burns ; and the yellow jessamine flower — there is a snake in it . Look ! [You]_4120-you love [me]_0-her ? — oh‐ho!—what does [[your]_4120-you priest]_{4129-your priest} say , and [[your]_4120-you lord]_{4130-your lord} ? Love!—so many of [you]_4120-you swore that . But she,—she standing next to [[her]_4131-her god]_{1332-her god} there,—I hurt [her]_4131-her most , and yet [she]_4131-her alone of [you]_4120-you all says nothing ! ” * * * * * * When , at daylight , [the people]_{4948-the people} unbarred [the prison‐door]_{8041-the prison‐door} , [they]_{4948-the people} found the sightless face of [the dead mean lying full in the light of the sun]_{8042-the dead mean lying full in the light of the sun} : beside [him]_{8042-the dead mean lying full in the light of the sun} [the girl]_{5116-the girl} crouched with a senseless stare in the horror of [her]_{5116-the girl} eyes , and on [her]_{5116-the girl} lips a ghastly laugh . For [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} had entered at last into [[her]_{104-folle‐farine} Father]_{389-her father} ’s kingdom . FOR many months [she]_{104-folle‐farine} knew nothing of the flight of time . All [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was conscious of were burning intolerable pain , continual thirst , and the presence as of an iron hand upon [her]_{104-folle‐farine} head , weighing down the imprisoned brain . All [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw in the horrible darkness , which no ray of light ever broke , was the face of [Thanatos]_167-thanatos , with the white rose pressed against [his]_167-thanatos mouth , to whom endlessly [she]_{104-folle‐farine} stretched [her]_{104-folle‐farine} arms in vain entreaty , but who said only , with the passionless pity of [his]_167-thanatos gaze , “_[4131-her] [I]_0-her come in [my]_0-her own time , and neither tarry nor hasten for any supplication of [a mortal creature]_{4133-a mortal creature} . ” [She]_{104-folle‐farine} lived , as a reed torn up from the root may live , by the winds that waft it , by the birds that carry it , by the sands that draw its fibres down into themselves , to root afresh whether it will or no . “_[4131-her] The reed was worthy to die!—the reed was worthy to die ! ” was all that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} said , again and again , lying staring with [her]_{104-folle‐farine} hot distending eyes into the void as of perpetual night , which was all that [she]_{104-folle‐farine} saw around [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . The words were to [those who heard [her]_{104-folle‐farine}]_{8045-those who heard her} , however , the mere meaningless babble of madness . When [they]_{8045-those who heard her} had found [her]_{104-folle‐farine} in [the cell of [the guardhouse]_{8047-the guardhouse}]_{8046-the cell of the guardhouse} , [she]_{104-folle‐farine} was far beyond any reach of harm from [them]_{8045-those who heard her} , or any sensibility of the worst which [they]_{8045-those who heard her} might do to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was in a delirious stupor , which left [her]_{104-folle‐farine} no more sense of place , or sound , or time than if [her]_{104-folle‐farine} brain had been drugged to the agonies and ecstasies of the opium‐eater . [They]_{8045-those who heard her} found [her]_{104-folle‐farine} homeless , friendless , nameless ; a thing accursed , destitute , unknown ; as useless and as rootless as the dead Spanish vagrant lying on the stones beside [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . [They]_{8045-those who heard her} cast [him]_8048-him to [the public ditch]_{8049-the public ditch} ; [they]_{8045-those who heard her} sent [her]_{104-folle‐farine} to [the public sick wards]_{8050-the public sick wards} , a league away ; [an ancient palace , whose innumerable chambers and whose vast corridors had been given to [a sisterhood of mercy]_{8052-a sisterhood of mercy} , and employed for nigh a century as [a public hospital]_{8053-a public hospital}]_{8051-an ancient palace , whose innumerable chambers and whose vast corridors had been given to a sisterhood of mercy , and employed for nigh a century as a public hospital} . In [this prison]_{8054-this prison} [she]_{104-folle‐farine} lay without any sense of the passing of hours and days and months . The accusation against [her]_{104-folle‐farine} fell to the ground harmless ; [no one]_{264-no one} pursued it : the gold was gone — somewhere , nowhere . [No one]_{264-no one} knew , unless it were [the bee‐wife]_{8057-the bee‐wife} , and [she]_{104-folle‐farine} held [her]_{104-folle‐farine} peace . [She]_{104-folle‐farine} was borne , senseless , to [the old hospice in [the great , dull , saintly , historic town]_{8059-the great , dull , saintly , historic town}]_{8058-the old hospice in the great , dull , saintly , historic town} , and there perished from all memories as all time perished to [her]_{104-folle‐farine} . Once or twice [the sister of charity who had the charge of [her]_{104-folle‐farine}]_{8060-the sister of charity who had the charge of her} sought to exorcise the demon tormenting this stricken brain and burning body , by thrusting into the hands that clenched the air a leaden image or a cross of sacred wood . But those heathen hands , even in delirium , threw those emblems away always , and [the captive]_{6873-the captive} would mutter , in a vague incoherence that froze the blood of [[her]_{6873-the captive} hearers]_{8062-her hearers} : “_{[4134-the old gods]} [The old gods]_{4134-the old gods} are not dead ; [they]_{4134-the old gods} only wait — [they]_{4134-the old gods} only wait ! [I]_0-her am [theirs]_{4134-the old gods} — [theirs]_{4134-the old gods} ! [They]_{4134-the old gods} forget , perhaps . But [I]_0-her remember . [I]_0-her keep [my]_0-her faith ; [they]_{4134-the old gods} must keep [theirs]_{4134-the old gods} , for shame ’s sake . Heaven or [hell]_4924-hell ? what does it matter ? Can it matter to [me]_0-her , so that [he]_4136-he has [his]_4136-he desire ? And that [they]_{4134-the old gods} must give , or break faith , as [men]_364-men do . [Persephone]_{108-persephone} ate the pomegranate,—you know — and [she]_{108-persephone} went back to [hell]_4924-hell . So will [I]_0-her — if [they]_{4134-the old gods} will it . What can it matter how the reed dies?—by fire , by steel , by storm ? — what matter , so that [the earth]_{288-the earth} hear the music ? Ah , [God]_118-god ! the reed was found worthy to die!—And [I]_0-her — [I]_0-her am too vile , too poor , too shameful even for that ! ” And then [her]_0-her voice would rise in a passion of hysteric weeping , or sink away into the feeble wailing of the brain , mortally stricken , and yet dimly sensible of its own madness and weakness ; and all through the hours [she]_0-her , in [her]_0-her unconsciousness , would lament for this — for this alone — that [the gods]_{1366-the gods} had not deemed [her]_0-her worthy of the stroke of death by which , through [her]_0-her , a divine melody might have arisen , and saved [the world]_{268-the world} . For the fable — which had grown to hold the place of so implicit a faith to [her]_0-her — was in [her]_0-her delirium always present with [her]_0-her ; and [she]_0-her had retained no sense of [herself]_0-her except as the bruised and trampled reed which [man]_4882-man and [the gods]_{1366-the gods} alike had rejected as unworthy of sacrifice . All the late autumn and the early winter came and went ; and the cloud was dark upon [her]_0-her mind , and the pain of the blow dealt to [her]_0-her by [Taric]_124-taric ’s hand gnawed at [her]_0-her brain . When the winter turned , the darkness in which [her]_0-her reason had been engulphed began to clear , little by little . As the first small trill of the wren stirred the silence in the old elm boughs ; as the first feeble gleam of the new year sunshine struggled through the matted branches of the yews ; as [the first frail blossom of the pale hepatica]_{8067-the first frail blossom of the pale hepatica} timidly peeped forth in the damp moss‐grown walls without , so consciousness slowly returned to [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her was so young ; the youth in [her]_0-her refused to be quenched , and recovered its hold upon life as did the song of the birds , the light in the skies , the corn in [the seed‐sown earth]_{8068-the seed‐sown earth} . [She]_0-her awakened to strength , to health , to knowledge ; [she]_0-her awoke thus blinded and confused , and capable of little save the sense of some loathsome bondage , of some irreparable loss , of some great duty which [she]_0-her had left undone , of some great errand to which [she]_0-her had been summoned , and found wanting . [She]_0-her saw four close stone walls around [her]_0-her ; [she]_0-her saw [her]_0-her wrists and [her]_0-her ankles bound ; [she]_0-her saw a hole high above [her]_0-her head , braced with iron bars , which served to let in the few pallid streaks of daylight which alone ever found their way thither ; [she]_0-her saw a black cross in one corner , and before it [two women in black , who prayed]_{8069-two women in black , who prayed} . [She]_0-her tried to rise and could not : being fettered . [She]_0-her tore at the rope on [her]_0-her wrists with [her]_0-her teeth like a young tigress at [her]_0-her chains . [They]_8070-they essayed to soothe [her]_0-her , but in vain ; [they]_8070-they then made trial first of threats , than of coercion ; neither affected [her]_0-her ; [she]_0-her bit at the knotted cords with [her]_0-her white strong teeth , and , being unable to free [herself]_0-her , fell backward into a savage despair , glaring in mute impotent rage upon [[her]_0-her keepers]_{8071-her keepers} . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her must go to [Paris]_10-paris , ” [she]_0-her muttered again and again . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her must go to [Paris]_10-paris . ” So much escaped her;—but [her]_0-her secret [she]_0-her was still strong to keep buried in silence in [her]_0-her heart , as [she]_0-her had still kept it even in [her]_0-her madness . [Her]_0-her old strength , [her]_0-her old patience , [her]_0-her old ferocity and stubbornness and habits of mute resistance had revived in [her]_0-her with the return of life and reason . Slowly [she]_0-her remembered all things,—remembered that [she]_0-her had been accused and hunted down as [a thief]_{1383-a thief} and brought thither into [this prison]_{8054-this prison} , as [she]_0-her deemed [it]_{8054-this prison} , where the closeness of the walls pent [her]_0-her in and shut out the clouds and the stars , the water and the moonrise , the flicker of the green leaves against the gold of sunset , and all the liberty and loveliness of earth and air for which [she]_0-her was devoured by a continual thirst of longing , like the thirst of the caged lark for [the fair heights of heaven]_{8074-the fair heights of heaven} . So when [they]_8075-they spoke of [[their]_8075-they god]_{1335-their god} , [she]_0-her answered always as [the lark]_{5094-the lark} answers when [[his]_{5094-the lark} gaolers]_{8078-his gaolers} speak to [him]_{5094-the lark} of song;—“Set_[0-her] [me]_0-her free . ” But [they]_8075-they thought this madness no less , and kept [her]_0-her bound there in [the little dark stone den where no sound]_{8079-the little dark stone den where no sound} ever reached , unless it were the wailing of a bell , and no glimpse of the sky or the trees could ever come to charm to peaceful rest [her]_0-her aching eyes . At length [they]_8075-they grew afraid of what [they]_8075-they did . [She]_0-her refused all food ; [she]_0-her turned [her]_0-her face to the wall ; [she]_0-her stretched [herself]_0-her on [her]_0-her bed of straw motionless and rigid . The confinement , the absence of air , were a living death to the creature whose lungs were stifled unless [they]_8075-they drank in the fresh cool draught of winds blowing unchecked over the widths of [the fields and forests]_{8080-the fields and forests} , and whose eyes ached and grew blind unless [they]_8075-they could gaze into the depths of free‐flowing water , or feed [themselves]_8075-they in far‐reaching sight upon the radiant skies . The errant passions in [her]_0-her , the inborn instincts towards perpetual liberty , and the life of [the desert]_{2040-the desert} and of [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains} which came with the blood of [the Zingari]_{242-the zingari} , made [[her]_0-her prison‐house]_{8083-her prison‐house} a torture to [her]_0-her such as is unknown to [the house‐born]_{8084-the house‐born} and [hearth‐fettered races]_{8085-hearth‐fettered races} . If this wild moorbird died of self‐imposed famine rather than live only to beat its cut wings against the four walls of [[their]_8075-they pent prison‐house]_{8086-their pent prison‐house} , it might turn ill for [themselves]_8075-they ; so [the religious community]_{8087-the religious community} meditated . [They]_8075-they became afraid of [their]_8075-they own work . One day [they]_8075-they said to [her]_0-her : “_[0-her] Eat and live , and [you]_4140-you will be set free to‐morrow . ” [She]_0-her turned for the first time and lifted [her]_0-her face from the straw in which [she]_0-her buried it , and looked [them]_8075-they in the eyes . “_[0-her] Is that true ? ” [she]_0-her asked . “_[0-her] Ay , ” [they]_8075-they answered [her]_0-her . “_[4141-we] [We]_4141-we swear it by the cross of [[our]_4141-we blessed Master]_{4142-our blessed master} . ” “_[4141-we] If [a Christian]_{7505-a christian} swear it,—it must be a lie , ” [she]_0-her said , with the smile that froze [their]_8075-they timid blood . But [she]_0-her accepted the food and the drink which [they]_8075-they brought [her]_0-her , and broke [her]_0-her fast , and slept through many hours ; strengthened , as by strong wine , by that one hope of freedom beneath the wide pure skies . [She]_0-her asked [them]_8075-they on awakening what the season of the year was then . [They]_8075-they told [her]_0-her it was the early spring . “_[4141-we] The spring , ” [she]_0-her echoed dully,—all the months were a blank to [her]_0-her , which had rolled by since that red autumn evening , when in [the cell of [the guard‐house]_{7996-the guard‐house}]_{8088-the cell of the guard‐house} the voice of [Taric]_124-taric had chaunted in drink and delirium the passion songs of [Spain]_22-spain . “_[4141-we] Yes . It is spring , ” [they]_8075-they said ; and [one sister]_{8090-one sister} , younger and gentler than [the rest]_{1075-the rest} , reached from its place above the crucifix the bough of the golden catkins of the willow , which served [them]_8075-they at [their]_8075-they holy season as an emblem of the palms of [Palestine]_87-palestine . [She]_0-her looked at the drooping grace of the branches , with their buds of amber , long and in silence ; then with a passion of weeping [she]_0-her turned [her]_0-her face from [them]_8075-they as from the presence of some intolerable memory . All down [the shore of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{8092-the shore of the river} , amongst the silver of the reeds , the willows had been in blossom when [she]_0-her had first looked upon the face of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . “_[4141-we] Stay with [us]_4144-they , ” [the women]_{472-the women} murmured , drawn to [her]_0-her by the humanity of those , the first , tears that [she]_0-her had ever shed in [her]_0-her imprisonment . “_[4141-we] Stay with [us]_4144-they ; and it shall go hard if [we]_4144-they can not find a means to bring [you]_4145-you to eternal peace . ” [She]_0-her shook [her]_0-her head wearily . “_[4144-they] It is not peace that [I]_0-her seek , ” [she]_0-her murmured . Peace ? [He]_172-arslàn would care nothing for peace on [earth]_5276-earth or in [heaven]_1212-heaven , [she]_0-her knew . What [she]_0-her had sought to gain for [him]_172-arslàn — what [she]_0-her would seek still when once [she]_0-her should get free — was the eternal conflict of a great fame in the world of [men]_364-men . Since this was the only fate which in [his]_172-arslàn sight had any grace or any glory in it . [They]_4144-they kept [their]_4144-they faith with [her]_0-her . [They]_4144-they opened the doors of [[her]_0-her prison‐house]_{8083-her prison‐house} and bade [her]_0-her depart in peace , pagan and criminal though [they]_4144-they deemed [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her reeled a little dizzily as the first blaze of the full daylight fell on [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her walked out with unsteady steps into the open air where [they]_4144-they took [her]_0-her , and felt it cool and fresh upon [her]_0-her cheek , and saw the blue sky above [her]_0-her . The gates which [they]_4144-they unbarred were those at the back of [the hospital]_{6004-the hospital} , where [the country]_{751-the country} stretched around . [They]_4144-they did not care that [she]_0-her should be seen by [the people of [the streets]_{5229-the streets}]_{7772-the people of the streets} . [She]_0-her was left alone on a road outside [the great building that had been [[her]_0-her prison‐house]_{8083-her prison‐house}]_{8103-the great building that had been her prison‐house} ; [the road]_{4855-the road} was full of light , [it]_{4855-the road} was straight and shadowless ; there was a tall tree near [her]_0-her full of leaf ; there was a little bird fluttering in the sand at [her]_0-her feet ; the ground was wet , and sparkled with rain drops . All these little things came to [her]_0-her like the notes of a song heard far away — far away — in [another world]_{8106-another world} . They were so familiar , yet so strange . There was a little yellow flower growing in a tuft of grasses straight in front of [her]_0-her ; a little wayside weed ; a root and blossom of the field‐born celandine . [She]_0-her fell on [her]_0-her knees in the dust by it , and laughed and wept , and quivering , kissed it and blessed [it]_8107-it that it grew there . It was the first thing of summer and of sunshine [she]_0-her had seen so long . [A man in the gateway]_{8108-a man in the gateway} saw [her]_0-her and shook [her]_0-her , and bade [her]_0-her get from the ground . “_[0-her] [You]_4146-you are fitter to go back again , ” [he]_{8108-a man in the gateway} muttered ; “_[4146-you] [you]_4146-you are mad , still , [I]_0-her think . ” Like a hunted animal [she]_0-her stumbled to [her]_0-her feet and fled from [him]_{8108-a man in the gateway} ; winged by the one ghastly terror that [they]_8109-they would claim [her]_0-her and chain [her]_0-her back again . [They]_8109-they had said that [she]_0-her was free : but what were words ? [They]_8109-they had taken [her]_0-her once ; [they]_8109-they might take [her]_0-her twice . [She]_0-her ran , and ran , and ran . The intense fear that possessed [her]_0-her lent [her]_0-her irresistible force . [She]_0-her coursed [the earth]_{288-the earth} with the swiftness of a hare . [She]_0-her took no heed whence [she]_0-her went ; [she]_0-her only knew that [she]_0-her fled from the one unutterable horror of [that place]_{310-that place} . [She]_0-her thought [they]_8109-they were right ; that [she]_0-her was mad . It was [a level green silent country]_{8112-a level green silent country} which was round [her]_0-her , with little loveliness and little colour ; but as [she]_0-her went [she]_0-her laughed incessantly in the delirious gladness of [her]_0-her liberty . [She]_0-her tossed [her]_0-her head back to watch the flight of a single swallow ; [she]_0-her caught a handful of green leaves and buried [her]_0-her face in them . [She]_0-her listened in a very agony of memory to the rippling moisture of a little brook . [She]_0-her followed with [her]_0-her eyes the sweeping vapours of the rain‐clouds , and when a west wind rose and blew a cluster of loose apple blossoms between [her]_0-her eyes — [she]_0-her could no longer bear the passionate pain of all the long‐lost sweetness , but flinging [herself]_0-her downward , sobbed with the ecstasy of [an exile]_{8113-an exile} ’s memories . [The hell in which [she]_0-her had dwelt]_{8114-the hell in which she had dwelt} had denied them to [her]_0-her for so long . “_[0-her] Ah [God]_118-god ! ” [she]_0-her thought , “_[0-her] [I]_0-her know now — [one]_1305-one can not be utterly wretched whilst one has still the air and the light and the winds of the sky . ” And [she]_0-her arose , calmer , and went on [her]_0-her way ; wondering , even in that hour , why [men]_364-men and [women]_365-women trod the daily measures of [their]_364-men lives with [their]_364-men eyes downward and [their]_364-men ears choked with the dust ; hearkening so little to the sound of the breeze in the grasses , looking so little to the passage of the clouds against the sun . When the first blindness and rapture of [her]_0-her liberty had a little passed away , and abated in violence , [she]_0-her stood in the midst of [the green fields]_{7903-the green fields} and [the fresh woods]_{8118-the fresh woods} , a strange , sad , lonely figure of absolute desolation . [Her]_0-her clothes were in rags ; [her]_0-her red girdle had been changed by weather to a dusky purple ; [her]_0-her thick clustering hair had been cut to [her]_0-her throat ; [her]_0-her radiant hues were blanched , and [her]_0-her immense eyes gazed woefully from beneath their heavy dreamy lids , like the eyes of an antelope whom [men]_364-men vainly starve in the attempt to tame . [She]_0-her knew neither where to go nor what to do . [She]_0-her had not a coin nor a crust upon [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her could not tell where [she]_0-her then stood , nor where [the only home that [she]_0-her had ever known might lie]_{8120-the only home that she had ever known might lie} . [She]_0-her had not [a friend on [earth]_5276-earth]_{8121-a friend on earth} and [she]_0-her was seventeen years old , and was beautiful and was [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . [She]_0-her stood and looked ; [she]_0-her did not weep ; [she]_0-her did not pray ; [her]_0-her heart seemed frozen in [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her had the gift [she]_0-her had craved;—and how could [she]_0-her use it ? The light was obscured by the clouds , great sweet rain clouds which came trooping from the west . Woods were all round , and close against [her]_0-her were low brown cattle , cropping clovered grass . Away on the horizon was a vague , vast golden cloud , like a million threads of gossamer glowing in the sun . [She]_0-her did not know what it was ; yet it drew [her]_0-her eyes to it . [A herdsman]_{3133-a herdsman} came by [her]_0-her to the cattle . [She]_0-her pointed to the cloud . “_[0-her] What is that light ? ” [she]_0-her asked [him]_{3133-a herdsman} . [The cowherd]_{8125-the cowherd} stared and laughed . “_[0-her] That light ? It is only the sun shining on the domes and the spires of [Paris]_10-paris . ” “_{[4148-a‐h‐h‐. women]} [Paris]_10-paris ! ” [She]_0-her echoed the name with a great sob , and crossed [her]_0-her hands upon [her]_0-her breast , and in [her]_0-her way thanked [God]_118-god . [She]_0-her had had no thought that [she]_0-her could be thus near to it . [She]_0-her asked no more , but set straight on [her]_0-her way thither . It looked quite close . [She]_0-her had exhausted the scanty strength which [she]_0-her owned in [her]_0-her first flight ; [she]_0-her could go but slowly ; and the roads were heavy across [the ploughed lands]_{5014-the ploughed lands} , and through the edges of [the woods]_{344-the woods} . [She]_0-her walked on and on till it grew dusk , then [she]_0-her asked of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} weeding in [a field]_{8129-a field} how far it might be yet to [Paris]_10-paris . [The woman]_{633-the woman} told [her]_0-her four leagues and more . [She]_0-her grew deadly cold with fear . [She]_0-her was weak , and [she]_0-her had no hope that [she]_0-her could reach [it]_10-paris before dawn ; and [she]_0-her had nothing with which to buy shelter for the night . [She]_0-her could see it still ; a cloud , now as of fireflies , upon the purple and black of the night ; and in a passionate agony of longing [she]_0-her once more bent [her]_0-her limbs and ran — thinking of [him]_8131-him . To [her]_0-her [the city of [the world]_{268-the world}]_{8132-the city of the world} , [the city of]_{8134-the city of} [the kings]_{8135-the kings} , [the city of the eagles]_{8136-the city of the eagles} , was only of value for the sake of this one life [it]_10-paris held . It was useless . All the strength [she]_0-her possessed was already spent . The feebleness of fever still sang in [her]_0-her ears and trembled in [her]_0-her blood . [She]_0-her was sick and faint , and very thirsty . [She]_0-her struck timidly at a little cottage door , and asked to rest the night there . [The woman]_{633-the woman} glanced at [her]_0-her and slammed‐to the door . At another and yet another [she]_0-her tried ; but at neither had [she]_0-her any welcome ; [they]_8138-they muttered of the hospitals and drove [her]_0-her onward . Finally , tired out , [she]_0-her dropped down on the curled hollow of an old oak stump that stood by the wayside , and fell asleep , seeing to the last through [her]_0-her sinking lids that cloud of light where [the great city]_{8139-the great city} lay . The night was cold ; [the earth]_{288-the earth} damp ; it was far on into night ; [she]_0-her stretched [her]_0-her limbs out wearily and sighed , and dreamed that [Thanatos]_167-thanatos touched [her]_0-her with [his]_167-thanatos asphodels , and whispered , “_{[4148-a‐h‐h‐. women]} Come . ” WHEN [she]_0-her awoke [she]_0-her was no longer in the open air by [the roadside]_{7829-the roadside} , with the grey of the falling night about [her]_0-her , and the wet leaves for [her]_0-her bed . [She]_0-her was in [a white painted chamber , sweet with many roses , hung with deep hues of violet]_{8142-a white painted chamber , sweet with many roses , hung with deep hues of violet} , filled with gold and colour and sculpture and bronze , duskily beautiful and dimly lighted by a great wood fire that glowed upon andirons of brass . On the wall nearest [her]_0-her hung all alone a picture,—a picture of [a girl asleep in a scarlet blaze of poppies]_{8143-a girl asleep in a scarlet blaze of poppies} , above [her]_0-her head a purple butterfly , and on [her]_0-her breast the Red Mouse of [the Brocken]_{73-the brocken} . Opposite to it beside the hearth , watching [her]_0-her with [his]_167-thanatos small brilliant eyes , and quite motionless , sat [the old man Sartorian]_{8144-the old man sartorian} , who had kept [his]_167-thanatos faith with [her]_0-her , though [the gods]_{1366-the gods} had not kept theirs . And the picture and the reality grew confused before [her]_0-her , and [she]_0-her knew not which was [herself]_0-her and which [her]_0-her painted likeness , nor which was the little red mouse that gibbered among the red flowers , and which [the little old man who sat watching [her]_0-her with the fire gleams bright in [his]_167-thanatos eyes]_{8146-the little old man who sat watching her with the fire gleams bright in his eyes} ; and it seemed to [her]_0-her that [she]_0-her and the picture were one , and [he]_167-thanatos and the mouse were one likewise ; and [she]_0-her moaned and leaned [her]_0-her head on [her]_0-her hands and tried to think . The heat of [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} and the strong nourishment which they had poured down [her]_0-her throat when [she]_0-her was insensible of anything [they]_8148-they did to [her]_0-her , had revived the life in [her]_0-her . Memory and sense returned slowly to [her]_0-her ; what first awakened [her]_0-her was [her]_0-her one passionate desire , so intense that it became an instinct stifling every other , to go on [her]_0-her way to [the city that had flashed in [its]_{8149-the city that had flashed in its golden glory on her sight} golden glory on [her]_0-her sight]_{8149-the city that had flashed in its golden glory on her sight} one moment , only the next to disappear into the eternal night . “_{[4148-a‐h‐h‐. women]} [Paris]_10-paris ! ” [she]_0-her muttered mechanically , as [she]_0-her lifted [her]_0-her face with a hopeless bewildered prayer . “_{[4148-a‐h‐h‐. women]} Tell [me]_0-her the way to [Paris]_10-paris , ” [she]_0-her muttered instinctively , and [she]_0-her tried to rise and walk , not well knowing what [she]_0-her did . [The old man]_{335-the old man} laughed a little silently . “_{[4148-a‐h‐h‐. women]} [A‐h‐h‐. Women]_{4148-a‐h‐h‐. women} are the only peaches that roll of [their]_{4148-a‐h‐h‐. women} own accord from the wall to the wasp ’s nest . ” At the sound of [his]_{335-the old man} voice [her]_0-her eyes opened wide upon [him]_{335-the old man} ; [she]_0-her knew [his]_{335-the old man} face again . “_{[4148-a‐h‐h‐. women]} Where am [I]_0-her ? ” [she]_0-her asked [him]_{335-the old man} with a sharp terror in [her]_0-her voice . “_[0-her] In [[my]_0-her house]_{3743-my house} , ” [he]_{335-the old man} said simply . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her drove by [you]_0-her when [you]_0-her lay on the roadside . [I]_0-her recognised [you]_0-her . When [people]_476-people dream of immortality [they]_476-people generally die in [a ditch]_{4151-a ditch} . [You]_0-her would have died of a single night out there . [I]_0-her sent [[my]_0-her people]_{4152-my people} for [you]_0-her . [You]_0-her did not wake . [You]_0-her have slept here five hours . ” “_[0-her] Is this [Rioz]_77-rioz ? ” [She]_0-her could not comprehend , a horror seized [her]_0-her lest [she]_0-her should have strayed from [Paris]_10-paris back into [[[her]_0-her mother]_{774-her mother} ’s province]_{8152-her mother ’s province} . “_[77-rioz] No . [It]_77-rioz is [another home of mine]_{4153-another home of mine} ; ’ smaller , but choicer may be . Who has cut [your]_0-her hair close ? ” [She]_0-her shuddered and turned paler with the memory of [that ghastly prison‐house]_{8153-that ghastly prison‐house} . “_{[4154-handsomer,—almost]} Well ; [I]_0-her am not sure but that [you]_0-her are [handsomer,—almost]_{4154-handsomer,—almost} . [A sculptor]_{5079-a sculptor} would like [you]_0-her more now,—what a head [you]_0-her would make for [an Anteros]_{4156-an anteros} , or an Icarus , or [a Hyacinthus]_{4157-a hyacinthus} . Yes — [you]_0-her are best so . [You]_0-her have been ill ? ” [She]_0-her could not answer ; [she]_0-her only stared at [him]_8154-him blankly , with sad , mindless , dilated eyes . “_[0-her] A little gold , ” [she]_0-her muttered ; “_[0-her] a little gold . ” [He]_8154-him looked at [her]_0-her awhile , then rose and went and sent [[his]_8154-him handwomen]_{8155-his handwomen} , who took [her]_0-her to [an inner chamber]_{628-an inner chamber} , and bathed and attended [her]_0-her with assiduous care ; [she]_0-her was stupefied and knew not what [they]_{8155-his handwomen} did . [They]_{8155-his handwomen} served [her]_0-her tenderly . [They]_{8155-his handwomen} bathed [her]_0-her tired limbs and laid [her]_0-her as gently as though [she]_0-her were [some wounded royal captive upon a couch of down]_{8157-some wounded royal captive upon a couch of down} . [She]_0-her had no force to resist . [Her]_0-her eyes were heavy , and [her]_0-her senses were obscured . The potence of the draught which [they]_{8155-his handwomen} had forced through [her]_0-her lips , when [she]_0-her had been insensible , acted on [her]_0-her as an anodyne . [She]_0-her sank back unconsciously , and [she]_0-her slept again , all through the night and half the day that followed . Through all the hours [she]_0-her was conscious at intervals of the fragrance of flowers , of the gleams of silver and gold , of the sounds of distant music , of the white calm gaze of marble fauns and dryads , who looked on [her]_0-her from amidst the coolness of hanging foilage . [[She]_0-her who had never rested on any softer couch than [her]_0-her truss of hay or heap of bracken]_{8158-she who had never rested on any softer couch than her truss of hay or heap of bracken} , dreamed that [she]_0-her slept on roses . The fragrance of innumerable flowers breathed all around [her]_0-her . A distant music came through the silence on [her]_0-her drowsy ear . For the first time in [her]_0-her life of toil and pain [she]_0-her knew how exquisite a pleasure mere repose can be . At noon [she]_0-her awoke , crying aloud that the Red Mouse claimed [her]_0-her soul from [Thanatos]_167-thanatos . When [her]_0-her vision cleared , and [her]_0-her dream passed away , the music , the flowers , the colour , the coolness , were all real around [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her was lying on a couch as soft as the rose‐beds of [Sybaris]_243-sybaris . About [her]_0-her were the luxuries and the graces amidst which [the rich]_{1875-the rich} dwell . Above [her]_0-her head , from a golden height , [a painted Eros]_{8160-a painted eros} smiled . The light , on to which [her]_0-her startled eyes opened , came to [her]_0-her veiled through soft , rosy hues ; the blossom of flowers met [her]_0-her everywhere , glided lattices and precious stones , and countless things for which [she]_0-her knew neither the name nor use , and wondrous plants , with birds like living blossoms on the wing above them , and the marble heads of [women]_365-women , rising cold and pure above the dreamy shadows — all the colour , and the charm , and the silence , and the grace of the life that is rounded by wealth was around [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her lay silent and breathless awhile , with wide open eyes , motionless from the languor of [her]_0-her weakness and the confusion of [her]_0-her thoughts , wondering dully , whether [she]_0-her belonged to the hosts of [the living]_{8162-the living} or the dead . [She]_0-her was in [a small sleeping chamber]_{8163-a small sleeping chamber} , in a bed like the cup of a lotus ; there was perfect silence round [her]_0-her , except for the faint far‐off echo of some music ; a drowsy subtle fragrance filled the air , the solemn measure of a clock ’s pendulum deepened the sense of stillness ; for the first time in [her]_0-her life [she]_0-her learned how voluptuous a thing the enjoyment of simple rest can be . All [her]_0-her senses were steeped in it , lulled by it , magnetised by it ; and , so far as every thought was conscious to [her]_0-her , [she]_0-her thought that this was death — death amidst [the fields of asphodel]_{8164-the fields of asphodel} , and in the eternal peace of [the realm of [Thanatos]_167-thanatos]_{8165-the realm of thanatos} . Suddenly [her]_0-her eyes fell on a familiar thing , a little picture close at hand , the picture of [herself]_0-her amidst the poppies . [She]_0-her leapt from the bed , and fell before it , and clasped it in [her]_0-her arms , and wept over it and kissed it , because it had been the work of [his]_8166-his hand , and prayed to [the unknown gods]_{8167-the unknown gods} to make [her]_0-her suffer all things in [his]_8166-his stead , and to give [him]_8166-his the desire of [his]_8166-his soul . And [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} had no power on [her]_0-her , because of [her]_0-her great love . [She]_0-her arose from that prayer with [her]_0-her mind clear , and [her]_0-her nerves strung ; [she]_0-her remembered all that had chanced to [her]_0-her . “_[0-her] Where are [my]_0-her clothes ? ” [she]_0-her muttered to [the serving‐women who watched beside [her]_0-her]_{8168-the serving‐women who watched beside her} . “_[0-her] It is broad day;—I must go on;—to [Paris]_10-paris . ” [They]_{8168-the serving‐women who watched beside her} craved [her]_0-her to wear the costly and broidered stuffs strewn about [her]_0-her ; masterpieces of many an [eastern and southern loom]_{8169-eastern and southern loom} ; but [she]_0-her put them all aside in derision and impatience , drawing around [her]_0-her with a proud loving action the folds of [her]_0-her own poor garments . Weather‐stained , torn by bush and briar , soaked with night dew , and discoloured by the dye of many a crushed flower and bruised berry of [the fields]_{316-the fields} and woods , [she]_0-her yet would not have exchanged these poor shreds of woven flax and goats ’ wool against imperial roves , for poor though they were , they were the symbols of [her]_0-her independence and [her]_0-her liberty . [The women]_{472-the women} tended [her]_0-her gently , and pressed on [her]_0-her many rare and fair things , but [she]_0-her would not have them ; [she]_0-her took a cup of milk , and passed out into [the larger chamber]_{8172-the larger chamber} . [She]_0-her was troubled and bewildered , but [she]_0-her had no fear ; for [she]_0-her was too innocent , too wearied , and too desperate with that deathless courage , which having borne the worst that fate can do , can know no dread . [She]_0-her stood with [her]_0-her arms folded on [her]_0-her breast , drawing together the tattered folds of the tunic , gazing at the luxury , and the blended colour of [the room]_{2665-the room} . So softly , that [she]_0-her never heard [his]_8174-his footfall , [the old man]_{335-the old man} entered behind [her]_0-her , and came to the hearth , and looked on [her]_0-her . “_[4158-you] [You]_4158-you are better ? ” [he]_{335-the old man} asked . “_[4158-you] Are [you]_4158-you better , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” [She]_0-her looked up , and met the eyes of [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} . [They]_8176-they smiled again on [her]_0-her with the smile of the Red Mouse . The one passion which consumed [her]_0-her was stronger than any fear or any other memory : [she]_0-her only though — [this man]_{1234-this man} must know ? [She]_0-her sprang forward and grasped [his]_{335-the old man} arm with both hands , with the seizure of a tigress ; [her]_0-her passionate eyes searched [his]_{335-the old man} face ; [her]_0-her voice came hard and fast . “_[4158-you] What have [you]_4158-you done?—is [he]_4159-he living or dead?—you must know ? ” [His]_{335-the old man} eyes still smiled : “_[0-her] [I]_0-her gave [him]_4159-he [his]_4159-he golden key;—how [he]_4159-he should use it , that was not in [our]_4160-our bond . But , truly , [I]_0-her will make another bond with [you]_4158-you any day , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” [She]_0-her shuddered , and [her]_0-her hands dropped from [their]_4160-our hold . “_[4158-you] [You]_4158-you know nothing ? ” [she]_0-her murmured . “_[4158-you] Of [[your]_4158-you Norse‐god]_{7496-your norse‐god} ? nay , nothing . An eagle soars too high for [a man]_{4875-a man} ’s sight to follow , [you]_4158-you know — oftentimes . ” And [he]_{335-the old man} laughed [his]_{335-the old man} little soft laugh . The eagle often soared so high — so high — that the icy vapours of [the empyrean]_{8178-the empyrean} froze [them]_{8178-the empyrean} dead , and [they]_{8178-the empyrean} dropped to earth a mere , bruised , helpless , useless mass:—he knew . [She]_0-her stood stunned and confused : [her]_0-her horror of [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} was struggling into life through the haze in which all things of the past were still shrouded to [her]_0-her dulled remembrance — all things save [her]_0-her love . “_[4158-you] Rest awhile , ” [he]_{335-the old man} said , gently . “_[4158-you] Rest ; and [we]_4163-we may — who knows?—learn something of [[your]_4158-you northern god]_{7462-your northern god} . First ; tell [me]_0-her of [yourself]_4158-you . [I]_0-her have sought for tidings of [you]_4158-you vainly . ” [Her]_0-her eyes glanced round [her]_0-her on every side . “_[0-her] Let [me]_0-her go , ” [she]_0-her muttered . “_[0-her] Nay — a moment yet . [You]_4158-you are not well . ” “_[4158-you] [I]_0-her am well . ” “_[0-her] Indeed . Then wait a moment . ” [She]_0-her rested where [he]_{335-the old man} motioned ; [he]_{335-the old man} looked at [her]_0-her in smiling wonder . [She]_0-her leaned on one of the cushioned couches , calm , motionless , negligent , giving no sign that [she]_0-her saw [the chamber round [her]_0-her]_{8179-the chamber round her} to be any other than [the wooden barn or thatched cattle‐sheds of [the old mill‐house]_{8181-the old mill‐house}]_{8180-the wooden barn or thatched cattle‐sheds of the old mill‐house} ; [her]_0-her feet were crossed , [her]_0-her limbs were folded in that exquisite repose which is inborn in [races of [the East]_{14-the east}]_{8182-races of the east} ; the warmth of [the room]_{2665-the room} , and the long hours of sleep had brought the natural bloom to [her]_0-her face , the natural lustre to [her]_0-her eyes , which earlier fatigue and long illness had banished . [He]_{335-the old man} surveyed [her]_0-her with that smile which [she]_0-her had resented on the day when [she]_0-her had besought pity of [him]_{335-the old man} for [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s sake . “_[4165-you] Do [you]_4165-you not eat ? ” was all [he]_{335-the old man} said . “_[4165-you] Not here . ” [He]_{335-the old man} laughed [his]_{335-the old man} low humorous laugh that displeased [her]_0-her so bitterly , though it was soft of tone . “_[4165-you] And all those silks , and stuffs , and laces — do they please [you]_4165-you no better ? ” “_[4165-you] They are not [mine]_4165-you . ” “_[4165-you] Pooh ! do [you]_4165-you not know yet ? A female thing , as beautiful as [you]_4165-you are , makes [hers]_4166-hers everything [she]_4166-hers looks upon ? ” “_[4166-hers] That is a fine phrase . ” “_[4166-hers] And an empty one [you]_4165-you think . On [my]_0-her soul ! no . Everything [you]_4165-you see here is [yours]_4167-yours , if it please [you]_4165-you . ” [She]_0-her looked at [him]_{335-the old man} with dreaming perplexed eyes . “_[4167-yours] What do [you]_4165-you want of [me]_0-her ? ” [she]_0-her said , suddenly . “_[4165-you] Nay — why ask ? [All men]_{5168-all men} are glad to give to women with such a face as [yours]_4165-you . ” [She]_0-her laughed a little ; with the warmth , the rest , the wonder , the vague sense of some unknown danger , [her]_0-her old skill and courage rose . [She]_0-her knew that [she]_0-her had promised to be grateful always to [this man]_{1234-this man} ; otherwise,—oh , God!—how [she]_0-her could have hated [him]_{335-the old man} , [she]_0-her thought ! “_{[5168-all men]} Why ? ” [she]_0-her answered , “_{[5168-all men]} why ? Oh , only this : when [I]_0-her bought a measure of pears for [Flamma]_{117-reine flamma} in [the market‐place]_{428-the market‐place} , [the seller of [them]_4171-them]_{4170-the seller of them} would sometimes pick [me]_0-her out a big yellow bon‐chrétien , soft as butter , sweet as sugar , and offer it to [me]_0-her for [myself]_0-her . Well , when [he]_{4170-the seller of them} did that , [I]_0-her always knew that the weight was short , or the fruit rotten . This is a wonderful pear [you]_4165-you would give [me]_0-her ; but is [your]_4165-you measure false ? ” [He]_{335-the old man} looked at [her]_0-her with a curious wonder and admiration ; [he]_{335-the old man} was angered , humbled , incensed , and allured , and yet [he]_{335-the old man} was glad ; [she]_0-her looked so handsome thus with the curl on [her]_0-her quiet lips , and [her]_0-her spirited head fit for a bronze cast of [Atalanta]_244-atalanta . [He]_{335-the old man} was [an old man]_{1169-an old man} ; [he]_{335-the old man} could bear to pause and rightly appreciate the charm of scorn , the spur of irony , the goad of hatred . [He]_{335-the old man} knew the full value of its sharp spears to the wonder‐blooming aloe . [He]_{335-the old man} left the subject for a happier moment , and seating [himself]_{335-the old man} , opened [his]_{335-the old man} hands to warm them by the wood fire , still watching [her]_0-her with that smile , which for its very indulgence , its very banter , [she]_0-her abhorred . “_[4165-you] [You]_4165-you lost [your]_4165-you Norse‐god as [I]_0-her prophesied ? ” [he]_{335-the old man} asked carelessly . [He]_{335-the old man} saw [her]_0-her whole face change as with a blow , and [her]_0-her body bend within itself as a young tree bends under a storm . “_[4172-he] [He]_4172-he went when [you]_0-her gave [him]_4172-he the gold , ” [she]_0-her said below [her]_0-her breath . “_[4172-he] Of course [he]_4172-he went . [You]_4165-you would have [him]_4172-he set free , ” [he]_{335-the old man} said , with the little low laugh still in [his]_{335-the old man} throat . “_[4165-you] Did [I]_0-her not say [you]_4165-you must dream of nothing else if once [you]_4165-you had [him]_4172-he freed . [You]_4165-you would be full of faith ; and unbar [your]_4165-you eagle ’s prison‐house , and then , because [he]_4172-he took wing through the open‐door , [you]_4165-you wonder still . That is not very wise , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her do not wonder , ” [she]_0-her said , with fierce effort stifling [her]_0-her misery . “_[0-her] [He]_4172-he had a right to do as [he]_4172-he would : have [I]_0-her said any otherwise ? ” “_[0-her] No . [You]_4165-you are very faithful still , [I]_0-her see . Yet , [I]_0-her can not think that [you]_4165-you believed [my]_0-her prophecy , or [you]_4165-you — [a woman]_{4876-a woman} had never been so strong . [You]_4165-you think [I]_0-her can tell [you]_4165-you of [his]_4172-he fate ? Nay , on [my]_0-her soul [I]_0-her know nothing . [Men]_364-men do not speak [his]_4172-he name . [He]_4172-he may be dead;—you shrink ? So ! can it matter so much ? [He]_4172-he is dead to [you]_4165-you . [He]_4172-he is [a great man]_{3970-a great man} , but [he]_4172-he is [a fool]_{4935-a fool} . Half [his]_4172-he genius would give [him]_4172-he the fame [he]_4172-he wants with much greater swiftness than the whole ever will . [The world]_{268-the world} likes talent , which serves it . It hates genius , which rules it . [Men]_364-men would adore [his]_4172-he technical treatment , [his]_4172-he pictorial magnificence , [his]_4172-he anatomical accuracy ; but [they]_364-men will always be in awe of [his]_4172-he intensity of meaning , of [his]_4172-he marvellous fertility , of [his]_4172-he extraordinary mingling of the chilliest of idealism , and the most unsparing of sensualities,—but [I]_0-her talk idly . Let [us]_4179-us talk of [you]_4165-you ; see , [I]_0-her chose [your]_4165-you likeness , and [he]_4172-he let [me]_0-her have it — did [you]_4165-you dream that [he]_4172-he would part with it so lightly ? ” “_[4165-you] Why not ? [He]_4172-he had a million things more beautiful ? ” [He]_4172-he looked at [her]_4165-you keenly . [He]_4172-he could measure the superb force of this unblenching and mute courage . “_[4172-he] In [any other creature]_{3274-any other creature} such an humility would be an hypocrisy . But it is not so in [you]_4165-you . Why will [you]_4165-you carry [yourself]_4165-you as in [[an enemy]_{4181-an enemy} ’s house]_{4182-an enemy ’s house} ? Will [you]_4165-you not even break [your]_4165-you fast with [me]_0-her ? Nay , that is sullen , that is barbaric . Is there nothing that can please [you]_4165-you ? See here,—all [women]_365-women love these ; [the gipsy]_{4056-the gipsy} as well as [the empress]_{4185-the empress} . Hold [them]_365-women a moment . ” [She]_4165-you took them ; old oriental jewels lying loose in an agate cup on a table near ; there were amongst [them]_365-women three great sapphires , which in [their]_365-women way were priceless , from their rare size and their perfect colour . [Her]_4165-you mouth laughed with its old scorn . [She]_4165-you , who had lost life , soul , earth , heaven , to be consoled with the glass beads of a bauble ! [This man]_{1234-this man} seemed to [her]_4165-you more foolish than any creature that had ever spoken on [her]_4165-you ear . [She]_4165-you looked , then laid them — indifferently — down . “_[365-women] Three sparrow ’s eggs are as big and almost as blue , among the moss in any month of May ! ” [He]_{1234-this man} moved them away , chagrined . “_[365-women] How do [you]_{4185-the empress} intend to live ? ” [he]_{1234-this man} asked drily . “_{[4185-the empress]} It will come as it comes , ” [she]_4165-you answered with the fatalism and composure that ran in [her]_4165-you eastern blood . “_{[4185-the empress]} What have [you]_0-her done up to this moment since [you]_0-her left [[my]_0-her house at [Rioz]_77-rioz]_{4186-my house at rioz} ? ” [She]_4165-you told [him]_{1234-this man} , briefly ; [she]_4165-you wanted to hide that [she]_4165-you had suffered aught , or had been in any measure coldly dealt with , and [she]_4165-you spoke with the old force of a happier time , seeking rather to show how well it was with [her]_4165-you that [she]_4165-you should thus be free , and have no law save [her]_4165-you own will , and knew that none lived who could say to [her]_4165-you , “_[0-her] Come hither , ” or “_[0-her] go there . ” Almost [she]_4165-you duped [him]_{1234-this man} , [she]_4165-you was so brave . Not quite . [His]_{1234-this man} eyes had read the souls and senses of [women]_365-women for half a century ; and [none]_498-none had ever deceived [him]_{1234-this man} . As [he]_{1234-this man} listened to [her]_4165-you [he]_{1234-this man} knew well that under [her]_4165-you desolation and [her]_4165-you solitude [her]_4165-you heart was broken — though not [her]_4165-you courage . But [he]_{1234-this man} accepted [her]_4165-you words as [she]_4165-you spoke them . “_[0-her] Perhaps [you]_4187-you are wise to take [your]_4187-you fate so lightly , ” [he]_{1234-this man} said to [her]_4187-you . “_[4187-you] But , do [you]_4187-you know that it is a horrible thing to be alone and penniless and adrift , and without [a home]_{2752-a home} or [a friend]_{4189-a friend} , when [one]_1305-one is [a woman and young]_{4191-a woman and young} ? ” “_[4187-you] It is worse when [one]_1305-one is [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , and old ; but who pities it then ? ” [she]_4187-you said with the curt and caustic meaning that had first allured [him]_{1234-this man} in [her]_4187-you . “_[4187-you] And [a woman]_{4876-a woman} is so soon old ! ” [he]_{1234-this man} added with as subtle a significance . [She]_4187-you shuddered a little ; [no female creature that is beautiful and vigorous and young]_{8189-no female creature that is beautiful and vigorous and young} can coldly brook to look straight at the doom of age ; death is far less appalling , because death is uncertain , mystical , and may still have beauty . “_[4187-you] What do [you]_4187-you intend to do with [yourself]_4187-you ? ” [he]_{1234-this man} pursued . “_[4187-you] Intend ! It is for [the rich]_{1875-the rich} ‘ to intend , ’ [the poor]_{5743-the poor} must take what chances . ” [She]_4187-you spoke calmly , leaning down on one of the cushioned benches by the hearth , resting [her]_4187-you chin on [her]_4187-you hand ; [her]_4187-you brown slender feet were crossed one over another , [her]_4187-you eye‐lids were heavy from weakness and the warmth of [the room]_{2665-the room} ; the soft dim light played on [her]_4187-you tenderly ; [he]_{1234-this man} looked at [her]_4187-you with a musing smile . “_{[5743-the poor]} [No beautiful woman]_{4197-no beautiful woman} need ever be poor , ” [he]_{1234-this man} said , slowly spreading out the delicate palms of [his]_{1234-this man} hands to the fire ; “_{[5743-the poor]} and [you]_4187-you are beautiful — exceedingly . ” “_[4187-you] [I]_0-her know ! ” [she]_4187-you gave a quick gesture of [her]_4187-you head , tired , insolent , indifferent ; and a terrible darkness stole over [her]_4187-you face ; what matter how beautiful [she]_4187-you might be , [she]_4187-you had no beauty in [her]_4187-you own sight , for the eyes of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had dwelt on [her]_4187-you , cold , calm , unmoved , whilst [he]_{1234-this man} had said , “_[4187-you] [I]_0-her would love [you]_4187-you — if [I]_0-her could . ” “_[0-her] [You]_4187-you know [your]_4187-you value , ” [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} said drily . “_[4187-you] Well then , why talk of poverty and of [your]_4187-you future together ? [they]_4198-they need never be [companions]_{4199-companions} in [this world]_{1415-this world} . ” [She]_4187-you rose and stood before [him]_{1234-this man} in the rosy glow of the fire that bathed [her]_4187-you limbs until they glowed like jade and porphyry . “_{[4197-no beautiful woman]} [No beautiful woman]_{4197-no beautiful woman} need be poor — no — [no beautiful woman]_{4197-no beautiful woman} need be honest , [I]_0-her dare say . ” [He]_{1234-this man} smiled , holding [his]_{1234-this man} delicate palms to the warmth of [his]_{1234-this man} hearth . “_[0-her] [[Your]_4187-you lover]_{4203-your lover} drew a grand vision of [Barabbas]_206-barabbas . Well — [we]_4204-we choose [Barabbas]_206-barabbas still , just as [Jerusalem]_70-jerusalem chose ; only now , [[our]_4204-we [Barabbas]_206-barabbas]_{4205-our barabbas} is most often [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . Why do [you]_4187-you rise ? It is a wet day , out there , and , for the spring time , cold . ” “_{[70-jerusalem]} Is it ? ” “_{[70-jerusalem]} And [you]_4187-you have been ill ? ” “_[4207-they] So [they]_4207-they say . ” “_[4207-they] [You]_4187-you will die of cold and exposure . ” “_[4207-they] So best . ” “_[4207-they] Wait a moment . In such weather [I]_0-her would not let a dog stir . ” “_[4187-you] [You]_4187-you would if the dog chose to go . ” “_[4187-you] To a master who forsook it — for a kick and a curse ? ” [Her]_4187-you face burned ; [she]_4187-you hung [her]_4187-you head instinctively . [She]_4187-you sank down again on the seat which [she]_4187-you had quitted . The old horror of shame which [she]_4187-you had felt by the water side under [the orchards]_{5138-the orchards} bent [her]_4187-you strength under [this man]_{1234-this man} ’s unmerciful passion . [She]_4187-you knew that [he]_{1234-this man} had [her]_4187-you secret , and the haughty passion and courage of [her]_4187-you nature writhed under [his]_{1234-this man} taunt of it . “_[4187-you] To refuse to stay is uncouth , ” [he]_{1234-this man} said to [her]_4187-you . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her am uncouth , no doubt . ” “_[0-her] And it is ungrateful . ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her would not be that . ” “_[0-her] Ungrateful ! [I]_0-her did what [you]_4187-you asked of [me]_0-her . [I]_0-her unloosed [[your]_4187-you Othyr of Art]_{4208-your othyr of art} to spend [his]_{4208-your othyr of art} strength as [he]_{4208-your othyr of art} will , in essaying to raise a storm blast which shall have force enough to echo through the endless tunnels of the time to come . ” “_[0-her] [You]_0-her gave [him]_{4208-your othyr of art} a handful of gold pieces for that ! ” “_[0-her] Ah ! if [you]_4187-you thought that [I]_0-her should offer [him]_{4208-your othyr of art} the half of [my]_0-her possessions [you]_4187-you were disappointed , no doubt . But [you]_4187-you forgot that ‘ that ’ would not sell in [the world]_{268-the world} , as yet , for a handful of wheat . ” [She]_0-her touched the three sapphires . “_[4187-you] Are [your]_4187-you blue stones of less worth , because [I]_0-her , being ignorant , esteem them no more value than three sparrows ’ eggs in the hedge ? ” “_[0-her] [My]_0-her poor jewels ! Well , stay here to‐night , [you]_4187-you need rest , shelter , and warmth ; and to‐morrow [you]_4187-you shall go as poor as [you]_4187-you came , if [you]_4187-you wish . [The world]_{268-the world} is very hard . [The world]_{268-the world} is always winter — to [the poor]_{5743-the poor} , ” [he]_{4208-your othyr of art} added , carelessly , resting [his]_{4208-your othyr of art} keen far‐reaching eyes upon [her]_0-her . Despite [herself]_0-her [she]_0-her shuddered ; [he]_{4208-your othyr of art} recalled to [her]_0-her that [the world]_{268-the world} was close at hand — [the world in which [she]_0-her would be houseless]_{8194-the world in which she would be houseless} , friendless , penniless , alone . “_{[5743-the poor]} [A hard world]_{4213-a hard world} , to those who will not worship [its gods]_{6449-its gods} , ” [he]_{4208-your othyr of art} repeated , musingly . “_[4187-you] And [you]_4187-you astray in it , [[you]_4187-you poor barbarian]_{4215-you poor barbarian} , with [your]_4187-you noble madness , and [your]_4187-you blindness of faith and of passion . Do [you]_4187-you know what it is to be famished , and have none to hear [your]_4187-you cries ? ” “_[4187-you] Do [I]_0-her know ? ” [her]_0-her voice suddenly gathered strength and scorn , and rang loud on the stillness . “_[0-her] Do [you]_0-her ? The empty dish , the chill stove , the frozen feet , the long nights , with the roof dripping rain , the sour berries and hard roots that mock hunger , the mud floors , with the rats fighting to get first at [your]_4187-you bed , the bitter black months , whose saints ’ days are kept by new pains , and whose holy days are feasted by fresh diseases . Do [I]_0-her know ? Do [you]_4187-you ? ” [He]_{4208-your othyr of art} did not answer [her]_0-her ; [he]_{4208-your othyr of art} was absorbed in [his]_{4208-your othyr of art} study of [her]_0-her face ; [he]_{4208-your othyr of art} was thinking how [she]_0-her would look in [Paris]_10-paris in [[some theatre]_{8195-some theatre} ’s spectacle of [Egypt]_1-egypt]_{8196-some theatre ’s spectacle of egypt} , with anclets of dull gold and a cymar of dead white , and behind [her]_0-her a sea of palms and a red and sullen sky . “_[4187-you] What [a fool]_{4935-a fool} [he]_{4935-a fool} must have been , ” [he]_{4208-your othyr of art} thought , as [his]_{4208-your othyr of art} eyes went from [her]_0-her to the study of [her]_0-her sleeping in the poppies . “_[4187-you] What [a fool]_{4935-a fool} , [he]_{4935-a fool} left [his]_{4935-a fool} lantern of [Aladdin]_246-aladdin behind [him]_{4935-a fool} . ” “_{[4935-a fool]} [You]_4218-her remember unlovely things , ” [he]_{4208-your othyr of art} said aloud . “_[4218-her] No , [I]_0-her do not know them ; and [I]_0-her should not have supposed that [you]_4218-her , who did , could so much have cared to know [them]_4219-them more , or could have clung to them as the only good ; as [you]_4218-her now seem to do . [You]_4218-her can not love such hardships ? ” “_[4218-her] [I]_0-her have never known luxuries ; and [I]_0-her do not wish to know them . ” “_[4218-her] Then [you]_4218-her are [no woman,—what]_{4220-no woman,—what} is [your]_4218-her idea of the most perfect life ? ” “_[4218-her] [I]_0-her do not know — to be always in the open air and to be quite free , and for ever to see the sun . ” “_[4218-her] Not a low ideal . [You]_4218-her must await the Peruvian Paradise . Meanwhile there is a day spring that represents the sun not ill ; [we]_4221-we call it Wealth . ” “_[4222-her] Ah ! ” [she]_4218-her could not deride [this god]_{2989-this god} , for [she]_4218-her knew it was the greatest of [them]_8198-them all ; when the rod of riches had been lost , had not [the Far‐Striking King]_{6156-the far‐striking king} [himself]_{6156-the far‐striking king} been brought low and bound down to [a slave]_{5533-a slave} ’s drudgery ? The small , keen , elfin , satiric face bent on [her]_4218-her did not change from its musing study , its slow vigilant smile ; holding [her]_4218-her under the subtle influence of [his]_{6156-the far‐striking king} gaze , [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} began to speak,—speak as [he]_{6156-the far‐striking king} could at choice , with accents sweet as silver , slow words persuasive as sorcery . With the terse , dainty , facile touches of [a master]_{7284-a master} , [he]_{6156-the far‐striking king} placed before [her]_4218-her that world of which [she]_4218-her knew no more than any one of the reeds that blew by [the sands of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{8202-the sands of the river} . [He]_{6156-the far‐striking king} painted to [her]_4218-her that life of all others , which was in most vital contrast and unlikeliness to [her]_4218-her own ; the life of luxury , of indolence , of carelessness , of sovereignty , of endless pleasure , and supreme delight ; [he]_{6156-the far‐striking king} painted to [her]_4218-her the years of [a woman rich , caressed , omnipotent , beautiful , supreme]_{8204-a woman rich , caressed , omnipotent , beautiful , supreme} , with all the world before [her]_4218-her from which to choose [[her]_4218-her lovers]_{3443-her lovers} , [her]_4218-her playthings , [her]_4218-her triumphs , [her]_4218-her victories , [her]_4218-her cruelties , and [her]_4218-her seductions . [He]_{6156-the far‐striking king} painted the long cloudless invigorating day of such a favourite of fortune , with its hours winged by love and its laughter rhymed to music , and its wishes set to gold ; the same day for [the same woman]_{8206-the same woman} , whether it were called of [Rome]_23-rome or of [Corinth]_89-corinth , of [Byzantium]_90-byzantium or of [Athens]_91-athens , of [Babylon]_92-babylon or of [Paris]_10-paris , and whether [she]_4218-her [herself]_4218-her were hailed hetaira or [imperatrix]_{8207-imperatrix} . [He]_{6156-the far‐striking king} drew such things as the skill of [his]_{6156-the far‐striking king} words and the deep knowledge of [his]_{6156-the far‐striking king} many years enabled [him]_{6156-the far‐striking king} , in language which aroused [her]_4222-her even from the absorption of [her]_4222-her wretchedness , and stirred [her]_4222-her dull disordered thoughts to a movement of restless discontent , and of strange wonder — [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had never spoken to [her]_4222-her thus . [He]_{6156-the far‐striking king} let [his]_{6156-the far‐striking king} words dwell silently on [her]_4222-her mind , awhile : then suddenly [he]_{6156-the far‐striking king} asked [her]_4222-her , “_[4222-her] Such lives are ; do [you]_4222-her not envy [them]_4223-them ? ” [She]_4222-her thought—“envy_[4222-her] [them]_4223-them ? [she]_4222-her ? what could [she]_4222-her envy save the eyes that looked on [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s face ? ” “_[4222-her] What were the use ? ” [she]_4222-her said aloud ; “_[4222-her] all [my]_0-her life [I]_0-her have seen that all things are for [others]_5531-others ; nothing is for [me]_0-her . ” “_[0-her] [Your]_172-arslàn life is but just opening . Henceforth [you]_172-arslàn shall see all things for [you]_172-arslàn , instead . ” [She]_4222-her flashed [her]_4222-her eyes upon [him]_172-arslàn . “_{[172-arslàn]} How can that be ? ” “_{[172-arslàn]} Listen to [me]_0-her ; [you]_172-arslàn are alone in [the world]_{268-the world} , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ? ” “_{[104-folle‐farine]} Alone ; yes . ” “_{[104-folle‐farine]} [You]_172-arslàn have not a coin to stand a day between [you]_172-arslàn and hunger ? ” “_{[104-folle‐farine]} Not one . ” “_{[104-folle‐farine]} [You]_172-arslàn know of no roof that will shelter [you]_172-arslàn for so much as a night ? ” “_{[104-folle‐farine]} Not one . ” “_{[104-folle‐farine]} [You]_172-arslàn have just left [a public place of pestilence]_{4226-a public place of pestilence} ? ” “_{[172-arslàn]} Yes . ” “_{[172-arslàn]} And [you]_172-arslàn know that [everyone]_{4227-everyone} ’s hand is against [you]_172-arslàn because [you]_172-arslàn are nameless and [bastard]_4228-bastard , and come of [a proscribed people]_{4229-a proscribed people} , who are aliens alike in [every land]_{6896-every land} ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her am [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ; yes . ” For a moment [he]_172-arslàn was silent . The simple , pathetic acceptance of the fate that made [her]_0-her name — merely because [hers]_0-her — a symbol of all things despised , and desolate , and forsaken , touched [his]_172-arslàn heart and moved [him]_172-arslàn to a sorrowful pity . But the pity died , and the cruelty remained alive behind it . [He]_172-arslàn bent on [her]_0-her the magnetic power of [his]_172-arslàn bright , sardonic , meaning eyes . “_[0-her] Well — be [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} still . Why not ? But let [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} mean no longer [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} , [an outcast]_{5498-an outcast} , [a leper]_{2242-a leper} , a thing attainted , proscribed , and for ever suspected ; but let it mean on the ear of [every man that hears it]_{4234-every man that hears it} the name of the most famous , the most imperious , the most triumphant , [the most beautiful woman of [her]_{4235-the most beautiful woman of her time} time]_{4235-the most beautiful woman of her time} ; [a woman of whom [the world]_{268-the world}]_{4236-a woman of whom the world} says , ‘ Look on [her]_{4235-the most beautiful woman of her time} face and die — [you]_4238-you have lived enough . ’ ” [Her]_0-her breath came and went as [she]_0-her listened : the blood in [her]_0-her face flushed and paled ; [she]_0-her trembled violently , and [her]_0-her whole frame seemed to dilate and strengthen and vibrate with the electric force of that subtlest temptation . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her ! ” [she]_0-her murmured brokenly . “_[4238-you] Yes , [you]_4238-you . All that [I]_0-her say to [you]_4238-you shall be : homeless , tribeless , nameless , nationless , thought [you]_4238-you stand there now , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” The wondrous promise swept [her]_0-her fancy for the moment on the strong current of its imagery , as [a river]_{2813-a river} sweeps a leaf . This empire hers?—hers?—when [all mankind]_{8209-all mankind} had driven and derided [her]_0-her and shunned [her]_0-her sight and touch , and cursed and flouted [her]_0-her , and barely thought [her]_0-her worthy to be called “_[4239-thou] [thou]_4239-thou dog ! ” [He]_4238-you looked at [her]_0-her and smiled , and bent towards the warmth of the fire . “_[4239-thou] All that [I]_0-her say [you]_4238-you shall be ; and — the year is all winter for [the poor]_{5743-the poor} , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” The light on [her]_0-her face faded ; a sudden apprehension tightened at [her]_0-her heart ; on [her]_0-her face gathered the old fierce deadly antagonism which constant insult and attack had taught [her]_0-her to assume on the first instant of menace as [[her]_0-her only buckler]_{8210-her only buckler} . [She]_0-her knew not what evil threatened ; but vaguely [she]_0-her felt that treason was close about [her]_0-her . “_{[104-folle‐farine]} If [you]_0-her do not mock [me]_0-her , ” [she]_0-her said slowly , “_[0-her] if [you]_0-her do not — how will [you]_0-her make [me]_0-her what [you]_0-her promise ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her will show [the world]_{268-the world} to [you]_0-her , [you]_0-her to [the world]_{268-the world} ; [your]_0-her beauty will do the rest . ” The darkness and the perplexed trouble deepened on [her]_0-her face ; [she]_0-her rose and stood and looked at [him]_8211-he , [her]_0-her teeth shut together with a quick sharp ring , [her]_0-her straight proud brows drew together in stormy silence ; all the tigress in [her]_0-her was awoke and rising ready to spring ; yet amidst that dusky passion , that withering scorn of doubt , there was an innocent pathetic wonder , a vague desolation and disappointment , that were childlike and infinitely sad . “_[0-her] This is a wondrous pear [you]_0-her offer [me]_0-her ! ” [she]_0-her said bitterly . “_[0-her] And so cheap?—it must be rotten somewhere . ” “_[0-her] It is golden . Who need ask more ? ” And [he]_8211-he laughed [his]_8211-he little low laugh in [his]_8211-he throat . Then , and then only , [she]_0-her understood [him]_8211-he . With a sudden unconscious instinctive action [her]_0-her hand sought [her]_0-her knife , but the girdle was empty ; [she]_0-her sprang erect , [her]_0-her face on fire with a superb fury , [her]_0-her eyes blazing , like the eyes of a wild beast ’s by night , a magnificence of scorn and rage upon [her]_0-her quivering features . [Her]_0-her voice rang clear and hard and cold as ring the blows of steel . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her ask more,—that [I]_0-her should pluck it with clean hands , and eat of it with pure lips . Strange quibble for [a beggar,—homeless , penniless , tribeless , nationless]_{4243-a beggar,—homeless , penniless , tribeless , nationless} ? So [you]_0-her think , no doubt . But [we]_4244-we who are born outlawed are born free,—and do not sell [our]_4244-we freedom . Let [me]_0-her go . ” [He]_8211-he watched [her]_0-her with a musing smile , a dreamy calm content ; all this tempest of [her]_0-her scorn , all this bitterness of [her]_0-her disdain , all this whirlwind of [her]_0-her passion and [her]_0-her suffering , seemed but to beguile [him]_8211-he more and make [him]_8211-he surer of [her]_0-her beauty , of [her]_0-her splendour , of [her]_0-her strength . “_[4245-you] [She]_4245-you would be a great creature to show to [the world]_{268-the world} , ” [he]_8211-he thought , as [he]_8211-he drooped [his]_8211-he head and watched [her]_0-her through [his]_8211-he half‐closed eyelids , as [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} watched [the sleeper in the poppies]_{8212-the sleeper in the poppies} . “_[4245-you] Let [you]_4245-you go ? ” [he]_8211-he said with that slow ironic smile—“let_[4245-you] [you]_4245-you go ? Why should [I]_0-her let [you]_4245-you go — [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ? ” “_{[104-folle‐farine]} Why ? Why ? To save [your]_4245-you own life — if [you]_4245-you are wise . ” [He]_8211-he laughed in [his]_8211-he throat again . “_{[104-folle‐farine]} Ah , ah ! It is never wise to threaten , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [I]_0-her do not threaten . [You]_4245-you are foolish ; [you]_4245-you are unreasonable ; and that is the privilege of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . [I]_0-her am not angered at it . On the contrary ; it adds to [your]_4245-you charm . [You]_4245-you are [a beautiful , reckless , stubborn , half mad , half savage creature]_{4248-a beautiful , reckless , stubborn , half mad , half savage creature} . Passion and liberty become you,—become [you]_4245-you like [your]_4245-you ignorance and ferocity . [I]_0-her would not for worlds that [you]_4245-you should change them . ” “_[0-her] Let [me]_0-her go , ” [she]_0-her cried , across [his]_4245-you words . “_[0-her] [Oh fool]_{6892-oh fool} ! the winter will be hard,—and [you]_4245-you are bare of foot,—and [you]_4245-you have not a crust ! ” “_[0-her] Let [me]_0-her go . ” “_[0-her] Ah ! Go?—to beg [your]_4245-you way to [Paris]_10-paris , and to creep through [the cellars]_{4250-the cellars} and [the hospitals]_{4251-the hospitals} till [you]_4245-you can see [[your]_4245-you lover]_{4203-your lover} ’s face , and to crouch a moment at [his]_{4203-your lover} feet to hear [him]_{4203-your lover} mutter a curse on [you]_4245-you in payment for [your]_4245-you pilgrimage ; and then to slit [your]_4245-you throat or [his]_{4203-your lover} — in [your]_4245-you despair , and lie dead in all [your]_4245-you loveliness in the common ditch . ” “_[0-her] Let [me]_0-her go , [I]_0-her say ! ” “_[0-her] Or else , more like , come back to [me]_0-her in a week ’s time and say , ‘ [I]_0-her was made but now [I]_0-her am wise . Give [me]_0-her the golden pear . What matter a little speck ? What is golden may be rotten ; but to all lips it is sweet . ” “_{[1187-no woman]} Let [me]_0-her go ! ” [She]_0-her stood at bay before [him]_{4203-your lover} , pale in [her]_0-her scorn of rage , [her]_0-her right hand clenched against [her]_0-her breast , [her]_0-her eyes breathing fire , [her]_0-her whole attitude instinct with the tempest of contempt and loathing , which [she]_0-her held down thus , passive and almost wordless , because [she]_0-her once had promised never to be thankless to [this man]_{1234-this man} . [He]_{4203-your lover} gazed at [her]_0-her and smiled , and thought how beautiful that chained whirlwind of [her]_0-her passions looked ; but [he]_{4203-your lover} did not touch [her]_0-her nor even go nearer to [her]_0-her . There was a dangerous gleam in [her]_0-her eyes that daunted [him]_{4203-your lover} . Moreover [he]_{4203-your lover} was patient , humorous , gentle , cruel , wise — all in one ; and [he]_{4203-your lover} desired to tame and to beguile [her]_0-her , and to see [her]_0-her slowly drawn into the subtle sweetness of the powers of gold ; and to enjoy the yielding of each moral weakness one by one , as [the southern boy]_{8214-the southern boy} slowly pulls limb from limb , wing from wing , of the cicada . “_{[1187-no woman]} [I]_0-her will let [you]_4253-you go — surely , ” [he]_{4203-your lover} said , with [his]_{4203-your lover} low grim laugh . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her keep [no woman]_{1187-no woman} prisoner against [her]_{1187-no woman} will . But think one moment longer , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [You]_4253-you will take no gift at [my]_0-her hands ? ” “_[4253-you] None . ” “_[4253-you] [You]_4253-you want to go,—penniless as [you]_4253-you are ? ” “_[4253-you] [I]_0-her will go so ; no other way . ” “_[4253-you] [You]_4253-you will fall ill on [the road]_{4855-the road} afresh . ” “_[4253-you] That does not concern [you]_4253-you . ” “_[4253-you] [You]_4253-you will starve . ” “_[4253-you] That is [my]_0-her question . ” “_[4253-you] [You]_4253-you will have to herd with the street dogs . ” “_[4256-their] [Their]_4256-their bite is better than [your]_4253-you welcome . ” “_[4253-you] [You]_4253-you will be suspected,—most likely imprisoned . [You]_4253-you are [an outcast]_{5498-an outcast} . ” “_{[5498-an outcast]} That may be . ” “_{[5498-an outcast]} [You]_4253-you will be driven to public charity . ” “_[4253-you] Not till [I]_0-her need a public grave . ” “_[4253-you] [You]_4253-you will have never a glance of pity , never a look of softness , from [[your]_4253-you northern god]_{7462-your northern god} ; [he]_{7462-your northern god} has no love for [you]_4253-you , and [he]_{7462-your northern god} is in [his]_{7462-your northern god} grave most likely . [Icarus]_93-icarus falls — always . ” For the first time [she]_4253-you quailed as though struck by a sharp blow ; but [her]_4253-you voice remained inflexible and serene . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her can live without love or pity , as [I]_0-her can without [home]_497-home or gold . Once for all,—let [me]_0-her go . ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her will let [you]_4253-you go , ” [he]_{7462-your northern god} said slowly , as [he]_{7462-your northern god} moved a little away . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her will let [you]_4253-you go in seven days ’ time . For seven days [you]_4253-you shall do as [you]_4253-you please ; eat , drink , be clothed , be housed , be feasted , be served , be beguiled — as [the rich]_{1875-the rich} are . [You]_4253-you shall taste all these things that gold gives , and which [you]_4253-you , being ignorant , dare rashly deride and refuse . If when seven days end [you]_4253-you still choose , [you]_4253-you shall go , and as poor as [you]_4253-you came . But [you]_4253-you will not choose , for [you]_4253-you are [woman]_339-woman , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ! ” Ere [she]_4253-you knew [his]_{7462-your northern god} intent [he]_{7462-your northern god} had moved the panel and drawn it behind [him]_{7462-your northern god} , and left [her]_4253-you alone,—shut in a trap like the birds that [Claudis Flamma]_{115-claudis flamma} had netted in [[his]_{7462-your northern god} orchards]_{8215-his orchards} . That night , when the night without was quite dark , [she]_4253-you knelt down before the study of the poppies , and kissed it softly , and prayed to [the unknown God , of whom none had taught [her]_4253-you in anywise , yet whose light [she]_4253-you still had found , and followed in a dim wondering imperfect fashion , as [a little child lost in the twilight of some pathless wood]_{8217-a little child lost in the twilight of some pathless wood} , pursues in trembling the gleam of some great still planet looming far above [her]_4253-you through the leaves]_{8216-the unknown god , of whom none had taught her in anywise , yet whose light she still had found , and followed in a dim wondering imperfect fashion , as a little child lost in the twilight of some pathless wood , pursues in trembling the gleam of some great still planet looming far above her through the leaves} . When [she]_4253-you arose from [her]_4253-you supplication , [her]_4253-you choice was already made . And [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} had no power on [her]_4253-you , because of [her]_4253-you great love . AT sunrise a great peacock trailing [his]_{7462-your northern god} imperial purple on the edge of [a smooth lawn]_{8218-a smooth lawn} , pecked angrily at a torn fragment of a scarlet scarf ; a scarf that had been woven in [[his]_{7462-your northern god} own eastern lands]_{8219-his own eastern lands} , but which incensed [his]_{7462-your northern god} sight , fluttering there so idly , as it seemed , on the feathery sprays of a little low almond tree that grew by [the water ’s edge]_{7206-the water ’s edge} . [The water]_{265-the water} was broad , and full of lily leaves and of rare reeds and rushes ; it had been so stemmed and turned by art that it washed the basement walls and mirrored the graceful galleries and arches of [the garden palace]_{8222-the garden palace} , where the birds of Hêrê dwelt . Twenty feet above the level of [the gardens , where the peacock swept in the light]_{8223-the gardens , where the peacock swept in the light} , there was an open casement , [a narrow balcony of stone]_{8224-a narrow balcony of stone} ; a group of pale human faces looking out [awe‐stricken]_{247-awe‐stricken} . A leap in the night — the night wet and moonless,—waters a fathom deep,—a bed of sand treacherous and shifting as the ways of love . What could all these be save certain death ? Of death [they]_8225-they were afraid ; but [they]_8225-they were more afraid yet of the vengeance of [[their]_8225-they flute‐voiced lord]_{8226-their flute‐voiced lord} . On the wall [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} sat amongst the flowers of sleep ; [he]_{211-the red mouse} could have told ; [[he]_{211-the red mouse} who for once had heard another prayer than the blasphemies of [the Brocken]_{73-the brocken}]_{8227-he who for once had heard another prayer than the blasphemies of the brocken} . But [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} never tells any secret to [men]_364-men ; [he]_{211-the red mouse} has lived too long in the breast of [the women whom [men]_364-men love]_{8229-the women whom men love} . The sun came from [the east]_{5641-the east} , and passed through the pale stricken faces that watched from the casement , and came straight to where [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} sat amidst the poppies . “_[339-woman] Have [you]_4262-you let [a female soul]_{4263-a female soul} escape [you]_4262-you ? ” said [the Sun]_{8232-the sun} . [The Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} answered : “_[339-woman] Love is stronger than [I.]_4264-i. When [he]_4265-he keeps [his]_4265-he hands pure , where [he]_4265-he guards the door of the soul , [I]_0-her enter not . [I]_0-her sit outside and watch , and watch , and watch . But it is time lost . Love is strong ; the door is barred to [me]_0-her . ” Said [the Sun]_{8232-the sun} , “_{[248-the moon]} That is strange to hear . [[My]_0-her sister]_{6711-my sister} , [the Moon]_{248-the moon} , has told [me]_0-her oftentimes that [Eros]_94-eros is [your]_4262-you pander — always . ” “_{[6711-my sister]} [Anteros]_107-anteros only , ” said [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} . [The Sun]_{8232-the sun} , wondering , said again : “_{[6711-my sister]} And yet [I]_0-her have heard that it is [your]_4262-you boast that into every female soul [you]_4262-you enter at birth , and dwell there unto death . Is it , then , not so ? ” [The Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} answered : “_[4882-man] The boast is not mine , it is [man]_4882-man ’s . ” IN the dark of night [she]_0-her had leapt to what , as [she]_0-her thought , would prove [her]_0-her grave ; but the waters with human‐like caprice had cast [her]_0-her back upon [the land]_{4984-the land} with scarce an effort of [her]_0-her own . Given back thus to life , whether [she]_0-her would or no , [she]_0-her by sheer instinct stumbled to [her]_0-her feet and fled as fast as [she]_0-her could in the wet gloomy night through the grassy stretches of [the unknown gardens]_{8236-the unknown gardens} and lands in which [she]_0-her found [herself]_0-her . [She]_0-her was weighted with [her]_0-her soaked clothes as with lead , but [she]_0-her was made swift by terror and hatred , as though [Hermes]_164-hermes for once had had pity for [anything human]_{8237-anything human} , and had fastened to [her]_0-her feet [his]_164-hermes own winged sandals . [She]_0-her ran on and on , not knowing whither ; only knowing that [she]_0-her ran from [the man who had tempted [her]_0-her [by the strength of the rod of wealth]_{8239-by the strength of the rod of wealth}]_{8238-the man who had tempted her by the strength of the rod of wealth} . The rains were ceaseless , the skies had no stars , in the dense mist no lights , far or near , of [city]_5621-city or [planets]_8241-planets , of [palace]_8242-palace or [house]_422-house , were seen . [She]_0-her did not know where [she]_0-her went ; [she]_0-her only ran on away and away , anywhere , from the Red Mouse and [its master]_{5320-its master} . When the daybreak grew grey in the heavens , [she]_0-her paused , and trembling crept into [a cattle shed]_{8245-a cattle shed} to rest and take breath a little . [She]_0-her shrank from every habitation , [she]_0-her quivered at every human voice ; [she]_0-her was afraid — horribly afraid — in those clinging vapours , those damp deathly smells , those ghostly shadows of the dawn , those indistinct and unfamiliar creatures of [a country strange to [her]_0-her]_{8246-a country strange to her} . [That old man with the elf]_{8247-that old man with the elf} ’s eyes , who had tempted [her]_0-her , was [he]_{8247-that old man with the elf} [a god]_{942-a god} too , [she]_0-her wondered , since [he]_{8247-that old man with the elf} had the rod that metes power and wealth ? [He]_{8247-that old man with the elf} might stretch [his]_{8247-that old man with the elf} hand anywhere , [she]_0-her supposed , and take [her]_0-her . [The gentle cattle in [[their]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} wooden home]_{8250-their wooden home}]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} made way for [her]_0-her , and humbly welcomed [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her hid [herself]_0-her amongst [their]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} beds of hay , and in the warmth of [their]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} breath and [their]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} bodies . [She]_0-her was wet and wretched , like any half drowned dog ; but the habits of [her]_0-her hardy life made cold and hunger and exposure almost powerless to harm [her]_0-her . [She]_0-her slept from sheer exhaustion of mind and body . The cattle could have trodden [her]_0-her to death , or tossed [her]_0-her through the open spaces of [[their]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} byres]_{8251-their byres} , but [they]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} seemed to know , [they]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} seemed to pity ; and [they]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} stirred so that [they]_{8249-the gentle cattle in their wooden home} did not brush a limb of [her]_0-her , nor shorten a moment of [her]_0-her slumbers . When [she]_0-her awoke the sun was high . [A herdswoman , entering with the loud harsh clash of brazen pails]_{8252-a herdswoman , entering with the loud harsh clash of brazen pails} , kicked [her]_0-her in the loins , and rated [her]_0-her furiously for daring to rest there . [She]_0-her arose at the kick , and went out from [the place]_{342-the place} passively , not well knowing what [she]_0-her did . The morning was warm and radiant ; [the earth]_{288-the earth} and the trees were dripping with the rains of the night ; the air was full of sweet odours , and of a delicious coldness . As far as [she]_0-her saw there was no token far or near of the gleaming cloud of [the city of]_{8134-the city of} [her]_0-her dreams . [She]_0-her ventured to ask at [a wayside cabin]_{8256-a wayside cabin} is [she]_0-her were near or far to [Paris]_10-paris ? [The woman of [the cottage]_{1571-the cottage}]_{8257-the woman of the cottage} looked up searchingly from the seat before [the porch]_{1512-the porch} , and for answer cried to [her]_0-her : “_[4882-man] [Paris]_10-paris ! pouf‐f‐f ! get out , [you]_4268-you drowned rat . ” [She]_0-her had lost for the time the mental force , and even the physical force , to resent or to persevere ; [she]_0-her was weak with hunger and bewildered with [her]_0-her misery . [She]_0-her had only sense enough left to remember — and be thankful — that in the night that was past [she]_0-her had been strong . The sun beat on [her]_0-her head , [the road]_{4855-the road} was hard , and sharp set with flint ; [she]_0-her was full of pain , [her]_0-her brain throbbed with fever and reeled with weakness ; a sudden horror seized [her]_0-her lest [she]_0-her might die before [she]_0-her had looked again on the face of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . [She]_0-her saw the dusky shade of a green wood ; by sheer instinct [she]_0-her crept into [it]_8261-it as a stricken deer into its sanctuary . [She]_0-her sat in the darkness of the trees in the coolness of the wood , and rested [her]_0-her head on [her]_0-her hands , and let the big salt tears drop one by one , as the death tears of the llama fall . This was the young year round [her]_0-her ; that [she]_0-her knew . The winter had gone by ; its many months had passed over [her]_0-her head whilst [she]_0-her was senseless to any flight of night or day ; death might have taken the prey which it had once been robbed of by [her]_0-her ; in all this weary season , which to [her]_0-her was as a blank , [[his]_172-arslàn old foes of failure]_{8262-his old foes of failure} and famine might have struggled for and vanquished [him]_172-arslàn , [she]_0-her not being by ; [his]_172-arslàn body might lie in [any plague‐ditch of the blameless poor]_{8263-any plague‐ditch of the blameless poor} , [his]_172-arslàn hand might rot fleshless and nerveless in [any pit where [the world]_{268-the world} cast its useless and dishonoured dead]_{8264-any pit where the world cast its useless and dishonoured dead} ; the mould of [his]_172-arslàn brain might make a feast for eyeless worms , not more stone blind that was [the human race [he]_172-arslàn had essayed to serve]_{8266-the human race he had essayed to serve} ; the beauty of [his]_172-arslàn face might be a thing of loathsomeness from which a toad would turn . Oh , [God]_118-god ! would death never take [her]_0-her likewise ? Was [she]_0-her [an outcast even from [that one tribeless and uncounted nation of the dead]_{8268-that one tribeless and uncounted nation of the dead}]_{8267-an outcast even from that one tribeless and uncounted nation of the dead} ? [That God whom [she]_0-her had loved]_{8269-that god whom she had loved} , whom [she]_0-her had chosen , whose eyes had been so full of pity , whose voice had murmured : “_[4268-you] Nay , [the wise]_{4269-the wise} know [me]_0-her as [man]_4882-man ’s only friend”:—even [he]_172-arslàn , [Thanatos]_167-thanatos , had turned against [her]_0-her and abandoned [her]_0-her . Vague memories of things which [she]_0-her had heard in fable and tradition , of bodies accursed and condemned to wander for ever unresting and wailing of spirits , which for [their]_8270-their curse were imprisoned in a living flesh that [they]_8270-their could neither lose nor cast away so long as [the world]_{268-the world} itself endured ; creatures that [the very elements]_{8272-the very elements} had denied , and that were too vile for fire to burn , or water to drown , or steel to slay , or old age to wither , or death to touch and take in any wise . All these memories returned to [her]_0-her , and in [her]_0-her loneliness [she]_0-her wondered if [she]_0-her were such [an one as these]_{8273-an one as these} . [She]_0-her did not know , indeed , that [she]_0-her had done any great sin ; [she]_0-her had done none willingly , and yet [all people]_{8274-all people} called [her]_0-her vile , and [they]_{8274-all people} must know ? Even [the old man]_{335-the old man} , mocking [her]_0-her , had said : “_[4271-he] Never wrestle with [Fate]_249-fate . [He]_4271-he throws the strongest , soon or late . And [your]_4272-your fate is shame ; it was [your]_4272-your birth gift , it will be [your]_4272-your burial cloth . Can [you]_4272-your cast if off ? No . But [you]_4272-your can make it potent as gold , and sweet as honey if [you]_4272-your choose , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” And [she]_0-her had not chosen ; yet of any nobility in the resistance [she]_0-her did not dream . [She]_0-her had shut [her]_0-her heart to it by the unconscious instinct of strength , as [she]_0-her had shut [her]_0-her lips under torture , and shut [her]_0-her hand against gold . [She]_0-her sat there in the wood , roofless , penniless , friendless , and [every human creature]_{8276-every human creature} was against [her]_0-her . [Her]_0-her temper had spoken only the bare and bleak truth . [A dog stoned and chased and mad]_{8277-a dog stoned and chased and mad} could be the only living thing on the face of [the earth]_{288-the earth} more wretched and more desolate than [herself]_0-her . The sun of noon was bright above head in a cloudless sky , but in the little wood it was cool and shady , and had the moisture of a heavy morning dew . Millions of young leaves had uncurled themselves in the warmth . Little butterflies , some azure , some yellow , some white , danced in the light . Brown rills of water murmured under the grasses , the thrushes sang to [one another]_{700-one another} through the boughs , and the lizard darted hither and thither , green as the arrowy leaves that made its shelter . A little distance from [her]_0-her there was [a group of joyous singers who looked at [her]_0-her from time to time , [their]_{8280-a group of joyous singers who looked at her from time to time , their laughter hushing a little , and their simple carousal under the green boughs broken by a nameless chilliness and involuntary speculation} laughter hushing a little , and [their]_{8280-a group of joyous singers who looked at her from time to time , their laughter hushing a little , and their simple carousal under the green boughs broken by a nameless chilliness and involuntary speculation} simple carousal under the green boughs broken by a nameless chilliness and involuntary speculation]_{8280-a group of joyous singers who looked at her from time to time , their laughter hushing a little , and their simple carousal under the green boughs broken by a nameless chilliness and involuntary speculation} . [She]_0-her did not note [them]_{8280-a group of joyous singers who looked at her from time to time , their laughter hushing a little , and their simple carousal under the green boughs broken by a nameless chilliness and involuntary speculation} , [her]_0-her face being bowed down upon [her]_0-her hands , and no sound of the thrushes ’ song or of [the human singers]_{8281-the human singers} ’ voices rousing [her]_0-her from the stupefaction of despair which drugged [her]_0-her senses . [They]_{8280-a group of joyous singers who looked at her from time to time , their laughter hushing a little , and their simple carousal under the green boughs broken by a nameless chilliness and involuntary speculation} watched [her]_0-her long ; [her]_0-her attitude did not change . One of [them]_{8280-a group of joyous singers who looked at her from time to time , their laughter hushing a little , and their simple carousal under the green boughs broken by a nameless chilliness and involuntary speculation} at length rose up and went hesitating a step or two forwards ; [a girl with twinkling feet , clad gaily in bright colours , though the texture of]_{8282-a girl with twinkling feet , clad gaily in bright colours , though the texture of} [her]_{8282-a girl with twinkling feet , clad gaily in bright colours , though the texture of} clothes was poor . [She]_0-her went and touched [the crouched sad figure]_{8283-the crouched sad figure} , softly . “_[4272-your] Are [you]_4273-you in trouble ? ” [The figure]_{8284-the figure} lifted [its]_{8284-the figure} bowed head , its dark hopeless eyes . “_[4273-you] It is no matter , [I]_0-her am only — tired . ” “_[0-her] Are [you]_4273-you all alone ? ” “_[4273-you] Yes . ” “_[4273-you] Come and sit with [us]_4274-us a moment . [You]_4273-you are in the damp and the gloom ; [we]_4274-us are so pleasant and sunny there . Come . ” “_[4273-you] [You]_4273-you are good , but let [me]_0-her be . ” [The blue‐eyed girl]_{8285-the blue‐eyed girl} called to [the others]_{1726-the others} . [They]_{1726-the others} lazily rose and came . “_[0-her] [Heaven]_250-heaven ! [she]_4273-you is handsome ! ” [the men]_{450-the men} muttered to [one another]_{700-one another} . [She]_{8285-the blue‐eyed girl} looked straight at [them]_{450-the men} all , and let [them]_{450-the men} be . “_[4273-you] [You]_4273-you are all alone ? ” [they]_{450-the men} asked [her]_{8285-the blue‐eyed girl} again . “_[4273-you] Always , ” [she]_{8285-the blue‐eyed girl} answered [them]_{450-the men} . “_[4273-you] [You]_4273-you are going — where ? ” “_[4273-you] To [Paris]_10-paris . ” “_[4273-you] What to do [there]_439-there ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her do not know . ” “_[0-her] [You]_4273-you look wet — suffering — what is the matter ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her was nearly drowned last night — an accident — it is nothing . ” “_[0-her] Where have [you]_4273-you slept ? ” “_[4273-you] In [a shed]_{4276-a shed} : with some cattle . ” “_[4273-you] Could [yo]_4273-you get no shelter in [a house]_{5319-a house} ? ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her did not seek any . ” “_[0-her] What do [you]_4273-you do ? What is [your]_4273-you work ? ” “_[4273-you] Anything — Nothing . ” “_[4273-you] What is [your]_4273-you name ? ” “_[4273-you] Folle‐Farine . ” “_[4273-you] That means the chaff;—less than the chaff;—the dust . ” “_[0-her] It means [me]_0-her . ” “_[4278-they] [They]_4278-they were silent , only bending on [her]_4273-you [their]_4278-they bright curious eyes . [They]_4278-they saw that [she]_4273-you was unspeakably wretched ; that some great woe or shock had recently fallen on [her]_4273-you , and given [her]_4273-you glance that startled horror and blanched [her]_4273-you rich skin to an ashen pallor , and frozen , as it were , the very current of the young blood in [her]_4273-you veins . [They]_4278-they were silent a little space . Then whispered together . “ Come with [us]_4278-they , ”_[4278-they] [they]_4278-they urged . “ [We]_4278-they too go to [Paris]_10-paris . [We]_4278-they are poor . [We]_4278-they follow art . [We]_4278-they will befriend [you]_8289-you . ”_[4278-they] [She]_4273-you was deaf to [them]_4278-they long ; being timid and wild of every human thing . But [they]_4278-they were urgent ; [they]_4278-they were eloquent ; [these young girls]_{4279-these young girls} with [their]_{4279-these young girls} bright eyes ; [these men who spoke of art]_{4280-these men who spoke of art} ; [these wanderers who went to [the great city]_{8139-the great city}]_{4281-these wanderers who went to the great city} . In the end [they]_4278-they pressed on [her]_4273-you [their]_4278-they companionship . [They]_4278-they too were going to [Paris]_10-paris ; [they]_4278-they spoke of perils [she]_4273-you would run , of vouchers [she]_4273-you would need : [she]_4273-you wondered at [their]_4278-they charity , but in the end walked on with [them]_4278-they — fearing [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} . [They]_4278-they were [mirthful gentle people]_{4283-mirthful gentle people} , so [she]_4273-you thought ; [they]_4278-they said [they]_4278-they followed art ; [they]_4278-they told [her]_4273-you [she]_4273-you could never enter [Paris]_10-paris nameless and alone : so [she]_4273-you went . [The chief of the little troop]_{4284-the chief of the little troop} watched wonderingly [her]_4273-you step , [her]_4273-you posture , [her]_4273-you barbaric and lustrous beauty , brilliant still even through the pallor of grief and the weariness of fatigue ; of these [he]_{4284-the chief of the little troop} had never seen the like before and [he]_{4284-the chief of the little troop} knew [their]_4278-they almost priceless value in [the world]_{268-the world} , and of [the working classes]_{4286-the working classes} and [street mobs of [Paris]_10-paris]_{4287-street mobs of paris} . “ Listen , ”_{[4284-the chief of the little troop]} [he]_{4284-the chief of the little troop} said suddenly to [her]_4273-you . “ [We]_8290-we shall play to‐night at [the next town]_{8291-the next town} . Will [you]_4273-you take a part ? ”_{[4284-the chief of the little troop]} Walking along through [the glades of the wood]_{4288-the glades of the wood} , lost in thought , [she]_4273-you started at [his]_{4284-the chief of the little troop} voice . “ [I]_4273-you do not know what [you]_{4284-the chief of the little troop} mean ? ”_[4273-you] “ [I]_4273-you mean — will [you]_4273-you share [yourself]_4273-you with [us]_8290-we ? [We]_8290-we will give [you]_4273-you no words . It will be quite easy . What money [we]_8290-we make [we]_8290-we divide amongst [us]_8290-we . All [you]_4273-you shall do shall be to stand and be looked at — [you]_4273-you are beautiful and [you]_4273-you know it , no doubt ? ”_[4273-you] [She]_4273-you made a weary sign of assent . Beautiful ? What could it matter if [she]_4273-you were so , or if [she]_4273-you were not , what [these men]_{4289-these men} thought of it ? The beauty that [she]_4273-you owned , though so late a precious possession , a crown of glory to [her]_4273-you , had lost all its fairness and all its wonder since it had been strengthless to bind to [hers]_4273-you , the only heart in which [she]_4273-you cared to rouse a throb of passion , since it had been unworthy to draw upon it with any lingering gaze of love the eyes of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . [He]_4290-he looked at [her]_4273-you more closely ; this was a strange creature , [he]_4290-he thought , who being [a woman]_{4876-a woman} and in [her]_4273-you first youth could thus acknowledge [her]_4273-you own loveliness with so much candour , yet so much indifference . That afternoon [they]_{4289-these men} halted at [a little town]_{1147-a little town} that stood in [a dell across the fields]_{4293-a dell across the fields} , [a small place lying close about [a great church tower]_{4295-a great church tower}]_{4294-a small place lying close about a great church tower} . It was almost dusk when [they]_{4289-these men} entered [it]_{1147-a little town} ; but it was all alive with lights and shows , and trumpets and banners ; it was the day of a great fair , and [the merry‐go‐rounds]_{4296-the merry‐go‐rounds} were whirling , and the trades in gilded cakes and puppets of sugar were thriving fast , and [the narrow streets]_{4297-the narrow streets} were full of [a happy and noisy peasant crowd]_{4298-a happy and noisy peasant crowd} . As soon as [the little troop]_{4299-the little troop} entered [the first street]_{4300-the first street} a glad cry rose . [They]_{4299-the little troop} were well known and well liked [there]_439-there ; [the people]_{4948-the people} clustered by dozens round [them]_{4299-the little troop} , [the women]_{472-the women} greeting [them]_{4299-the little troop} with kisses , [the children]_{452-the children} hugging the dogs , [the men clamouring with invitations to eat and to drink and be merry]_{4305-the men clamouring with invitations to eat and to drink and be merry} . [They]_{4299-the little troop} bade [her]_4306-she watch [them]_{4299-the little troop} at [their]_{4299-the little troop} art in [a rough wooden house outside [the wine tavern]_{4308-the wine tavern}]_{4307-a rough wooden house outside the wine tavern} . [She]_4306-she stood in the shadow and looked as [they]_{4299-the little troop} bade [her]_4306-she , while the mimic life of [their]_{4299-the little troop} little stage began and lived its hour . To the mind which had received its first instincts of art from the cold , lofty passionless creations of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn , from the classic purity and from the divine conception of the old Hellenic ideal , the art of the comic stage could seem but poor and idle mimicry ; gaudy and fragrantless as any painted rose of paper blossoming on a tinselled stem . The crystal truthlessness , the barbaric liberty , the pure idealism of [her]_4306-she mind and temper revolted in contempt from the visible presentment and the vari‐coloured harlequinade of [the comic actor]_{4309-the comic actor} ’s art . To [her]_4306-she , a note of song , a gleam of light , a shadowy shape , a veiled word , were enough to unfold to [her]_4306-she passionate fancy a world of dreams , a paradise of faith and of desire ; and for this very cause [she]_4306-she shrank away , in amazement an disgust , from this realistic mockery of mere humanity , which left nothing for the imagination to create , which spoke no other tongue than the common language of human quips and jests . It could not touch [her]_4306-she , it could not move [her]_4306-she ; it filled her,—so far as [she]_4306-she could bring [herself]_4306-she to think of it at all,—with a cold and wondering contempt . “ That is [your]_{4310-the actors} art ? ”_[4306-she] [she]_4306-she said wearily to [the actors]_{4310-the actors} when [they]_{4310-the actors} came to [her]_4306-she . “ Well , is it not art ; and [a noble one]_{8292-a noble one} ? ”_[4306-she] A scornful shadow swept across [her]_4306-she face . “ It is no art . It is human always . It is never divine . There is neither heaven nor hell in it . It is [all earth]_{8293-all earth} . ”_[4306-she] [They]_{4310-the actors} were sharply stung . “ What has given [you]_4306-she such thoughts as that ? ”_{[4310-the actors]} [they]_{4310-the actors} said , in [their]_{4310-the actors} impatience and mortification . “ [I]_4306-she have seen great things , ”_[4306-she] [she]_4306-she said simply , and turned away and went out into the darkness , and [wept,—alone]_{251-wept,—alone} . [[She]_4306-she who had knelt at the feet of [Thanatos]_167-thanatos , and who had heard the songs of [Pan]_170-pan amidst the rushes by [the river]_{356-the river}]_{4311-she who had knelt at the feet of thanatos , and who had heard the songs of pan amidst the rushes by the river} , and had listened to the charmed steps of [Persephone]_{108-persephone} amidst the flowers of the summer;—could [she]_4306-she honour [lesser gods than these]_{4313-lesser gods than these} ? “ [They]_{4310-the actors} may forget — [they]_{4310-the actors} may forsake , and [he]_4314-he likewise , but [I]_4306-she never , ”_[4306-she] [she]_4306-she thought . If only [she]_4306-she might live a little longer space to serve and suffer for [them]_{4310-the actors} and for [him]_4314-he still ; of fate [she]_4306-she asked nothing higher . That night there was much money in the bag . [The players]_{4315-the players} pressed a share upon [her]_4306-she ; but [she]_4306-she refused . “ Have [I]_4306-she begged from [you]_{4315-the players} ? ”_[4306-she] [she]_4306-she said . “ [I]_4306-she have earned nothing . ”_[4306-she] It was with exceeding difficulty that [they]_{4315-the players} ended in persuading [her]_4306-she even to share [their]_{4315-the players} simple supper . [She]_4306-she took only bread and water , and sat and watched [them]_{4315-the players} curiously . [The players]_{4315-the players} were in high spirits ; [[their]_{4315-the players} chief]_{4317-their chief} ordered a stoup of bright wine , and made merry over it with gayer songs and louder laughter , and more frequent jests than even were [his]_{4317-their chief} wo nt . [The men and women of [the town]_{482-the town}]_{4318-the men and women of the town} came in and out with merry interchange of words . [The youths of [the little bourg]_{4321-the little bourg}]_{4320-the youths of the little bourg} chattered light amorous nonsense ; [the young girls]_{5523-the young girls} smiled and chattered in answer ; whilst [the actors]_{4310-the actors} bantered [them]_{5523-the young girls} and made [them]_{5523-the young girls} a hundred love prophecies . Now and then a dog trotted in to salute [the players]_{4315-the players} ’ poodles ; now and then the quaint face of a pig looked through the legs of [its master]_{5320-its master} . The door stood open ; the balmy air blew in ; beyond , the stars shone in a cloudless sky . [She]_4306-she sat without in the darkness , where no light fell amongst the thick shroud of [one of the blossoming boughs of pear trees]_{4326-one of the blossoming boughs of pear trees} , and now and then [she]_4306-she looked and watched [their]_{4315-the players} laughter and companionship , and [their]_{4315-the players} gay and airy buffoonery , together there within the winehouse doors . “ [All fools]_{8294-all fools} enjoy ! ”_[4306-she] [she]_4306-she thought ; with that bitter wonder , that aching disdain , that involuntary injustice , with which the strong sad patience of a great nature surveys the mindless merriment of lighter hearts and brains more easily lulled into forgetfulness and content . [They]_{4315-the players} came to [her]_4306-she and pressed on [her]_4306-she a draught of wine , a share of the food , a handful of the honeyed cates of [their]_{4315-the players} simple banquet ; even a portion of [their]_{4315-the players} silver and copper pieces with which the little leathern sack of [their]_{4315-the players} receipts was full,—for once,—to the mouth . [She]_4306-she refused all : the money [she]_4306-she threw passionately away . “ Am [I]_4306-she [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} ? ”_[4306-she] [she]_4306-she said , in [her]_4306-she wrath . [She]_4306-she remained without in the gloom amongst the cool blossoming branches that swayed above‐head in the still night , while the carousal broke up and [the peasants]_{703-the peasants} went on [their]_{703-the peasants} way to [[their]_{703-the peasants} homes]_{5236-their homes} , singing along [the dark streets]_{4329-the dark streets} , and the lights were put out in [the wine‐house]_{4330-the wine‐house} , and the trill of the grasshopper chirped in [the fields]_{316-the fields} around . “ [You]_4306-she will die of damp , roofless in the open air this moonless night , ”_[364-men] [men]_364-men , as [they]_364-men passed away , said to [her]_4306-she in wonder . “ The leaves are roof enough for [me]_4306-she , ”_[4306-she] [she]_4306-she answered [them]_364-men : and stayed there with [her]_4306-she head resting on the roll of [her]_4306-she sheepskin ; wide‐awake through the calm dark hours ; for a bed within [she]_4306-she knew that [she]_4306-she could not pay , and [she]_4306-she would not let [any charity]_{4333-any charity} purchase one for [her]_4306-she . At daybreak when [the others]_{1726-the others} rose [she]_4306-she would only take from [them]_{1726-the others} the crust that was absolutely needful to keep life in [her]_4306-she . Food seemed to choke [her]_4306-she as it passed [her]_4306-she lips,—since how could [she]_4306-she tell but what [his]_4335-his lips were parched dry with hunger or were blue and cold in death ? That morning , as [they]_364-men started , one of [the two youths who bore [their]_364-men travelling gear and the rude appliances of [their]_364-men little stage]_{4336-the two youths who bore their travelling gear and the rude appliances of their little stage} upon [his]_4335-his shoulders from [village]_2461-village to [village]_2461-village when [they]_364-men journeyed thus — being oftentimes too poor to permit [themselves]_364-men any other mode of transit and of porterage — fell lame and grew faint and was forced to lay down [his]_4335-his burden by [the roadside]_{7829-the roadside} . [She]_4306-she raised the weight upon [her]_4306-she back and head as [she]_4306-she had been wo nt to do the weights of timber and of corn for [the mill‐house]_{1167-the mill‐house} and bore it onward . In vain [they]_364-men remonstrated with [her]_4306-she ; [she]_4306-she would not yield , but carried the wooden framework and the folded canvasses all through the heat and weariness of the noonday . “ [You]_364-men would have [me]_4306-she eat of [your]_364-men supper last night . [I]_4306-she will have [you]_364-men accept of [my]_4306-she payment to‐day , ”_[4306-she] [she]_4306-she said , stubbornly . For this seemed to [her]_4306-she a labour innocent and just , and even full of honour whatever [men]_364-men might say : had not [Helios]_252-helios [himself]_252-helios been bound as [a slave]_{5533-a slave} in [Thessaly]_49-thessaly ? [They]_364-men journeyed far that day , along [straight sunlit highways]_{4343-straight sunlit highways} , and under the shadows of green trees . [The fields]_{316-the fields} were green with the young corn and the young vines ; the delicate plumes of the first blossoming lilacs nodded in [their]_364-men footsteps ; the skies were blue ; the earth was fragrant . At noonday [the players]_{4315-the players} halted and threw [themselves]_{4315-the players} down beneath a poplar tree , in a wild rose thicket , to eat [their]_{4315-the players} noonday meal of bread and a green cress salad . [The shelter [they]_{4315-the players} had chosen]_{4346-the shelter they had chosen} was full of fragrance from rain drops still wet upon the grasses , and the budding rose vines . The hedge was full of honeysuckle and tufts of cowslips ; the sun was warmer ; the mild‐eyed cattle came and looked at [them]_{4315-the players} ; little redstarts picked up [their]_4347-their crumbs ; from a white vine‐hung [cottage]_4348-cottage [an old woman]_{5264-an old woman} brought [them]_{4315-the players} salt and wished [them]_{4315-the players} a fair travel . But [her]_{5264-an old woman} heart was sick and [her]_{5264-an old woman} feet weary , and [she]_{5264-an old woman} asked always,—“Where is [Paris]_10-paris ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} At last [they]_364-men showed it [her]_{5264-an old woman} , that gleaming golden cloud upon the purple haze of the horizon . [She]_{5264-an old woman} crossed [her]_{5264-an old woman} hands upon [her]_{5264-an old woman} beating breast , and thanked [the gods]_{1366-the gods} that [they]_364-men had thus given [her]_{5264-an old woman} to behold [the city of [her]_{5264-an old woman} dreams]_{4351-the city of her dreams} . [The chief of [the mimes]_{4353-the mimes}]_{4352-the chief of the mimes} watched [her]_{5264-an old woman} keenly . “ [You]_{5264-an old woman} look at [Paris]_10-paris , ”_{[4352-the chief of the mimes]} [he]_{4352-the chief of the mimes} said after a time . “ There [you]_{5264-an old woman} may be great if [you]_{5264-an old woman} will . ”_{[4352-the chief of the mimes]} “ Great ? [I]_{5264-an old woman} ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [She]_{5264-an old woman} echoed the word with weary incredulity . [She]_{5264-an old woman} knew [he]_{4352-the chief of the mimes} could but mock at [her]_{5264-an old woman} . “ Aye , ”_{[4352-the chief of the mimes]} [he]_{4352-the chief of the mimes} made answer seriously . “ Even [you]_{5264-an old woman} ! Why not ? There is no dynasty that endures in [that golden city]_{8296-that golden city} save only one — the sovereignty of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s beauty . ”_{[4352-the chief of the mimes]} [She]_{5264-an old woman} started and shuddered a little ; [she]_{5264-an old woman} thought that [she]_{5264-an old woman} saw [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} stir amidst the grasses . “ [I]_{5264-an old woman} want no greatness , ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [she]_{5264-an old woman} said slowly . “ What should [I]_{5264-an old woman} do with it ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} For in [her]_{5264-an old woman} heart [she]_{5264-an old woman} thought : “ What would it serve [me]_{5264-an old woman} to be known to [all the world]_{8298-all the world} and remembered by all the ages of [men]_364-men if [he]_364-men forget — forget quite ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} THAT night [they]_4354-they halted in [a little bright village of [the leafy and fruitful zone of [the city]_{473-the city}]_{4356-the leafy and fruitful zone of the city}]_{4355-a little bright village of the leafy and fruitful zone of the city} — one of the fragrant and joyous pleasure‐places amongst [the woods]_{344-the woods} where [the students]_{4359-the students} and [the young girls]_{5523-the young girls} came for draughts of milk and plunder of primroses , and dances by the light of the spring moon , and love‐words murmured as [they]_4354-they fastened violets in each other ’s breasts . The next day [she]_{5264-an old woman} entered [Paris]_10-paris with [them]_4354-they as [one of [[their]_4354-they own people]_{6474-their own people}]_{4361-one of their own people} . “ [You]_{5264-an old woman} may be great here , if [you]_{5264-an old woman} choose , ”_[4354-they] [they]_4354-they said to [her]_{5264-an old woman} , and laughed . [She]_{5264-an old woman} scarcely heard . [She]_{5264-an old woman} only knew that here it was that [Arslàn]_172-arslàn had declared that fame — or death — should come to [him]_172-arslàn . The golden cloud dissolved as [she]_{5264-an old woman} drew near to [it]_{473-the city} . [A great city]_{4363-a great city} might be beautiful to [others]_5531-others ; to [her]_{5264-an old woman} it was only as [its]_{4363-a great city} gilded cage is to a mountain bird . [The wilderness of roofs]_{4365-the wilderness of roofs} , [the labyrinth of streets]_{4366-the labyrinth of streets} , the endless walls of stone , the ceaseless noises of [the living multitude]_{4367-the living multitude} , these were horrible to the free‐born blood of [her]_{5264-an old woman} ; [she]_{5264-an old woman} felt blinded , caged , pent , deafened . Its magnificence failed to daunt , its colour to charm , its pageantry to beguile [her]_{5264-an old woman} . Through the glad and gorgeous ways [she]_{5264-an old woman} went , wearily and sick of heart , for the rush of free winds and the width of free skies , as [a desert‐born captive , with limbs of bronze and the eyes of the lion]_{4368-a desert‐born captive , with limbs of bronze and the eyes of the lion} , went fettered past [the palaces of [Rome]_23-rome]_{4369-the palaces of rome} in [the triumphal train of [Africanus]_96-africanus or [Pompeius]_253-pompeius]_{4370-the triumphal train of africanus or pompeius} . [The little band with which [she]_{5264-an old woman} travelled]_{4371-the little band with which she travelled} wondered what [her]_{5264-an old woman} eyes so incessantly looked for , in that perpetual intentness with which [they]_{4371-the little band with which she travelled} searched [every knot of faces that was gathered together as a swarm of bees clusters in the sunshine]_{4372-every knot of faces that was gathered together as a swarm of bees clusters in the sunshine} . [They]_{4371-the little band with which she travelled} could not tell ; [they]_{4371-the little band with which she travelled} only saw that [her]_{5264-an old woman} eyes never lost that look . “ Is it the Past or the Future that [you]_{5264-an old woman} search for always ? ”_{[4371-the little band with which she travelled]} the shrewdest of [them]_{4371-the little band with which she travelled} asked [her]_{5264-an old woman} . [She]_{5264-an old woman} shuddered a little , and made [him]_4373-him no answer . How could [she]_{5264-an old woman} tell which it was?—whether it would be a public fame or a nameless grave that [she]_{5264-an old woman} would light on at the last ? [She]_{5264-an old woman} was a mystery to [them]_{4371-the little band with which she travelled} . [She]_{5264-an old woman} minded poverty so little . [She]_{5264-an old woman} was as content on a draught of water and a bunch of cress as others are on rarest meats and wines . [She]_{5264-an old woman} bore bodily fatigue with [an Arab]_{4374-an arab} ’s endurance and indifference . [She]_{5264-an old woman} seemed to care little whether suns beat on [her]_{5264-an old woman} , or storms drenched [her]_{5264-an old woman} to the bone ; whether [she]_{5264-an old woman} slept under a roof , or the boughs of a tree ; whether [the people]_{4948-the people} hissed [her]_{5264-an old woman} for a foreign thing of foul omen , of clamoured aloud in [the streets]_{5229-the streets} praise of [her]_{5264-an old woman} perfect face . [She]_{5264-an old woman} cared nothing . [She]_{5264-an old woman} was silent always , and [she]_{5264-an old woman} never smiled . “ [I]_{5264-an old woman} must keep [my]_{5264-an old woman} liberty ! ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [she]_{5264-an old woman} had said ; and [she]_{5264-an old woman} kept it . By night [she]_{5264-an old woman} toiled ceaselessly for [[her]_{5264-an old woman} new masters]_{4377-her new masters} ; docile , patient , enduring , laborious , bearing the yoke of this labour as [she]_{5264-an old woman} had borne that of [her]_{5264-an old woman} former slavery , rather than owe a crust to alms , a coin to the gaze of [a crowd]_{4378-a crowd} . But by the day [she]_{5264-an old woman} searched [the city]_{473-the city} ceaselessly and alone , wandering , wandering , always on a quest that was never ended . For amidst the millions of faces that met [her]_{5264-an old woman} gaze , [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s was not ; and [she]_{5264-an old woman} was too solitary , too ignorant , and locked [her]_{5264-an old woman} secret too tenaciously in [her]_{5264-an old woman} heart , to be able to learn tidings of [his]_172-arslàn name . So the months of the spring and the summer time went by ; it was very strange and wondrous to [her]_{5264-an old woman} . [The human world]_{4380-the human world} seemed suddenly all about [her]_{5264-an old woman} ; [the quiet earth]_{4381-the quiet earth} , on which the cattle grazed , and [the women]_{472-the women} threshed and ploughed , and the sheep browsed the thyme , and the mists swept from stream to [sea]_6206-sea , this was all gone ; and in its stead there was a world of tumult , colour , noise , change , riot , roofs piled on roofs , clouds of dust yellow in the sun , walls peopled with countless heads of flowers and of [women]_365-women ; throngs , various of hue as garden‐beds of blown anemones ; endless harmonies and discords always rung together from silver bells , and brazen trumpets , and the clash of arms , and the spray of waters , and the screams of anguish , and the laughs of mirth , and the shrill pipes of an endless revelry , and the hollow sighs of a woe that had no rest . For [the world of [a great city]_{4363-a great city}]_{4385-the world of a great city} , of “ [the world]_{268-the world} as it is [man]_4882-man ’s , ”_{[5264-an old woman]} was all about [her]_{5264-an old woman} ; and [she]_{5264-an old woman} loathed it , and sickened in it , and hid [her]_{5264-an old woman} face from it whenever [she]_{5264-an old woman} could , and dreamed , as poets dream in fever of pathless seas and tawny fields of weeds , and dim woods filled with the song of birds , and cool skies brooding over [a purple moor]_{4387-a purple moor} , and all the silence and the loveliness and the freedom of “ [the world]_{268-the world} as it is [God]_118-god ’s . ”_{[4904-one man]} “ [You]_{5264-an old woman} are not happy ? ”_{[4904-one man]} [one man]_{4904-one man} said to [her]_{5264-an old woman} . “ Happy ! ”_{[4904-one man]} [She]_{5264-an old woman} said no more ; but [he]_{4904-one man} thought , just so had [he]_{4904-one man} seen a rose‐crested golden‐eyed bird of the great savannahs look , shut in a cage in [[a showman]_{4389-a showman} ’s caravan]_{4390-a showman ’s caravan} , and dying slowly , with dulled plumage and drooped head , while [the street mob of [a town]_{6215-a town}]_{4391-the street mob of a town} thrust [their]_{4391-the street mob of a town} fingers through the bars and mocked it , and called to it to chatter and be gay . “ Show [your]_{5264-an old woman} beauty once — just once amidst [us]_8303-us on the stage , and on the morrow [you]_{5264-an old woman} can choose [your]_{5264-an old woman} riches and [your]_{5264-an old woman} jewels from the four winds of heaven as [you]_{5264-an old woman} will , ”_{[4315-the players]} [the players]_{4315-the players} urged on [her]_{5264-an old woman} a hundred times . But [she]_{5264-an old woman} refused always . [Her]_{5264-an old woman} beauty — it was given to [the gods]_{1366-the gods} , to take or to leave , in life or death , for [him]_{4904-one man} . The months went on ; [she]_{5264-an old woman} searched for [him]_{4904-one man} always . A horrible unending vigil that never seemed nearer its end . Vainly , day by day , [she]_{5264-an old woman} searched the crowds and [the solitudes]_{4395-the solitudes} , the gates of [the palaces]_{4396-the palaces} and [the vaults of [the cellars]_{4250-the cellars}]_{4397-the vaults of the cellars} . [She]_{5264-an old woman} thought [she]_{5264-an old woman} saw [him]_{4904-one man} a thousand times ; but [she]_{5264-an old woman} could never tell whether it were truth or fancy . [She]_{5264-an old woman} never met [him]_{4904-one man} face to face ; [she]_{5264-an old woman} never heard [his]_{4904-one man} name . There is [no desert wider]_{4399-no desert wider} , [no maze more unending]_{4400-no maze more unending} , than [a great city]_{4363-a great city} . [She]_{5264-an old woman} ran hideous peril with every moment that [she]_{5264-an old woman} lived ; but by the strength and the love that dwelt together in [her]_{5264-an old woman} [she]_{5264-an old woman} escaped [them]_4402-them . [Her]_{5264-an old woman} sad , wide , open , pathetic eyes ever searched only for [his]_{4904-one man} face and saw [no other]_{1353-no other} ; [her]_{5264-an old woman} ear , ever strained to listen for one voice , was dead to every accent of persuasion or of passion . When [men]_364-men tried to tell [her]_{5264-an old woman} [she]_{5264-an old woman} was beautiful , [she]_{5264-an old woman} looked [them]_364-men full in the eyes and laughed , a terrible dreary laugh of scorn that chilled [them]_364-men to the bone . When [the gay groups]_{4405-the gay groups} on [balconies]_{4406-balconies} , that glanced golden in the sun , flung sweetmeats at [her]_{5264-an old woman} , and dashed wine on the ground , and called to [her]_{5264-an old woman} for [her]_{5264-an old woman} beauty ’s sake to join [them]_{4405-the gay groups} , [she]_{5264-an old woman} looked at [them]_{4405-the gay groups} with a look that had neither envy nor repugnance in it , but only a cold mute weariness of contempt . One day [a great sculptor]_{4407-a great sculptor} waylaid [her]_{5264-an old woman} , and showed [her]_{5264-an old woman} a pouch full of money and precious stones . “ All that , and more , [you]_{5264-an old woman} shall have , if [you]_{5264-an old woman} will let [me]_{5264-an old woman} make a cast of [your]_{5264-an old woman} face and [your]_{5264-an old woman} body once . ”_{[5264-an old woman]} In answer , [she]_{5264-an old woman} showed [him]_{4407-a great sculptor} the edge of [her]_{5264-an old woman} hidden knife . One day [a young man]_{4408-a young man} , unlike to [all the ragged and toil‐worn crowds that alone beheld [her]_{5264-an old woman}]_{4409-all the ragged and toil‐worn crowds that alone beheld her} , came in [those crowded quarters of [the poor]_{5743-the poor}]_{4410-those crowded quarters of the poor} , and watched [her]_{5264-an old woman} with eyes aglow like those of [the youth in the old market‐square]_{4412-the youth in the old market‐square} about [the cathedral]_{315-the cathedral} , and waylaid [her]_{5264-an old woman} , later , in solitude , and slid in [her]_{5264-an old woman} palm a chain studded with precious stones of many colours . “ [I]_{4407-a great sculptor} am rich , ”_{[4407-a great sculptor]} [he]_{4407-a great sculptor} murmured to [her]_{5264-an old woman} . “ [I]_{4407-a great sculptor} am [a prince]_{569-a prince} . [I]_{4407-a great sculptor} can make [your]_{5264-an old woman} name a name of power , if only [you]_{5264-an old woman} will come . ”_{[4407-a great sculptor]} “ Come whither ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [she]_{5264-an old woman} asked [him]_{4407-a great sculptor} . “ Come with [me]_{5264-an old woman} — only to [my]_{5264-an old woman} supper‐table — for one hour ; [my]_{5264-an old woman} horses wait . ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [She]_{5264-an old woman} threw the chain of stones at [her]_{5264-an old woman} feet . “ [I]_{5264-an old woman} have no hunger , ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [she]_{5264-an old woman} said , carelessly . “ Go , ask those that have to [your]_{4407-a great sculptor} feast . ”_{[5264-an old woman]} And [she]_{5264-an old woman} gave no other phrase in answer to all the many honeyed and persuasive words with which in vain [he]_{4407-a great sculptor} urged [her]_{5264-an old woman} , that night and many other night , until [he]_{4407-a great sculptor} wearied . One day , in [the green outskirts of [the city]_{473-the city}]_{4414-the green outskirts of the city} , passing by under [a gilded gallery]_{4416-a gilded gallery} , and a wide window full of flowers , and hung with delicate draperies , there looked out the fair head of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} , with diamonds in the ears , and a shroud of lace about it , while against the smiling scornful mouth a jewelled hand held a rose ; and [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s voice called to [her]_{5264-an old woman} , mockingly : “ Has [the devil]_{4853-the devil} not heard [you]_{5264-an old woman} yet , that [you]_{5264-an old woman} still walk barefoot in the dust on the stones , and let the sun beat on [your]_{5264-an old woman} head ? [O fool]_{2531-o fool} ! there is gold in the air , and gold in the dust , and gold in the very gutter here , for [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ! ”_{[4876-a woman]} And the face was the face , and the voice the voice , of [the gardener ’s wife of [the old town]_{4420-the old town} by [the sea]_{405-the sea}]_{4419-the gardener ’s wife of the old town by the sea} . [She]_{5264-an old woman} raised , to the gilded balcony above , [her]_{5264-an old woman} great sorrowful musing eyes , full of startled courage : soon [she]_{5264-an old woman} comprehended ; and then [her]_{5264-an old woman} gaze gave back scorn for scorn . “ Does that brazen scroll shade [you]_{5264-an old woman} better than did the trellised vine ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [she]_{5264-an old woman} said , with [her]_{5264-an old woman} voice ascending clear in its disdain . “ And are those stones in [your]_{5264-an old woman} breast any brighter than the blue was in the eyes of [[your]_{5264-an old woman} child]_{8308-your child} ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [The woman above]_{4422-the woman above} cast the rose at [her]_{5264-an old woman} and laughed , and withdrew from the casement . [She]_{5264-an old woman} set [her]_{5264-an old woman} heel on the rose , and trod its leaves down in the dust . It was a yellow rose , scentless and comely — an emblem of pleasure and wealth . [She]_{5264-an old woman} left it where it lay , and went onward . The sweet sins , and all their rich profits , that [she]_{5264-an old woman} might take as easily as [she]_{5264-an old woman} could have taken the rose from the dust , had no power to allure [her]_{5264-an old woman} . [The gilded balcony]_{4423-the gilded balcony} , the velvet couch , the jewels in the ears , the purple draperies , the ease and the affluence and the joys of the sights and the senses , these to [her]_{5264-an old woman} were as powerless to move [her]_{5264-an old woman} envy , these to [her]_{5264-an old woman} seemed as idle as the blow‐balls that [a child]_{657-a child} ’s breath floated down the current of a summer breeze . When once a human ear has heard the whispers of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} by night steal through [the reeds by [the river]_{356-the river}]_{7503-the reeds by the river} , never again to it can there sound anything but discord and empty sound in the tinkling cymbals of brass , and the fools ’ bells of silver , in which the crowds in [their]_4428-their deafness imagine the songs of [the heroes]_{4429-the heroes} and the music of the spheres . “ There are only two trades in [a city]_{6616-a city} , ”_{[4310-the actors]} said [the actors]_{4310-the actors} to [her]_{5264-an old woman} , with a smile as bitter as [her]_{5264-an old woman} own , “ only two trades — to buy souls and to sell them . What business have [you]_{5264-an old woman} [here]_1434-here , who do neither [the one nor the other]_{8311-the one nor the other} ? ”_{[4310-the actors]} There was music still in [this trampled reed of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{4431-this trampled reed of the river} , into which [the gods]_{1366-the gods} had once bidden the stray winds and the wandering waters breathe [their]_{1366-the gods} melody ; but there , in the press , [the buyers]_{7767-the buyers} and [the sellers]_{7768-the sellers} only saw in it a frail thing of [the sand]_{2091-the sand} and [the stream]_{374-the stream} , only made to be woven for barter , or bind together the sheaves of the roses of pleasure . By‐and‐by [they]_{4310-the actors} grew so impatient of this soul which knew its right errand so little that it would neither accept temptation itself nor deal it to [others]_5531-others , [they]_{4310-the actors} grew so impatient to receive that golden guerdon from passion and evil which [they]_{4310-the actors} had foreseen as [their]_{4310-the actors} sure wage for [her]_{5264-an old woman} when [they]_{4310-the actors} had drawn [her]_{5264-an old woman} with [them]_{4310-the actors} to [the meshes of [the city]_{473-the city}]_{4439-the meshes of the city} , that [they]_{4310-the actors} betrayed [her]_{5264-an old woman} , stung and driven into treachery by the intolerable reproach of [her]_{5264-an old woman} continual strength , [her]_{5264-an old woman} continual silence . [They]_{4310-the actors} took a heavy price , and betrayed [her]_{5264-an old woman} to [the man who had set [his]_{4441-the man who had set his soul upon her beauty} soul upon [her]_{5264-an old woman} beauty]_{4441-the man who had set his soul upon her beauty} , to make it live naked and vile and perfect for all time in marble . [She]_{5264-an old woman} saved [herself]_{5264-an old woman} by such madness of rage , such fury of resistance , as [the native tigress]_{4442-the native tigress} knows in the glare of the torches or the bonds of the cords . [She]_{5264-an old woman} smote [the sculptor]_{4443-the sculptor} with [her]_{5264-an old woman} knife ; a tumult rose round ; voices shouted that [he]_{4443-the sculptor} was stabbed ; [the men who had betrayed [her]_{5264-an old woman}]_{4444-the men who had betrayed her} raised loudest the outcry . In the darkness of [a narrow street]_{4445-a narrow street} , and of a night of tempest , [she]_{5264-an old woman} fled from [them]_{4310-the actors} , and buried [herself]_{5264-an old woman} in the dense obscurity which is one of the few privileges of [the outcasts]_{2694-the outcasts} . [It]_4447-it was very poor , [this quarter where [she]_{5264-an old woman} found refuge]_{4448-this quarter where she found refuge} ; [men]_364-men and [women at the lowest ebb of life]_{4450-women at the lowest ebb of life} gathered there together . There was not much crime ; it was too poor even for that . It was all that piteous , hopeless class that is honest , and suffers and keeps silent — so silent that [no one]_{264-no one} notices when death replaces life . Here [she]_{5264-an old woman} got leave to dwell a little while in the topmost corner of [a high tower]_{4452-a high tower} , which rose so high , so high , that the roof of [it]_{4452-a high tower} seemed almost like [the very country itself]_{4453-the very country itself} . It was so still there , and so fresh , and the clouds seemed so near , and the pigeons flew so close about it all day long , and at night so trustfully sought [their]_4454-their roost [there]_439-there . In [a nook of]_{4456-a nook of} [it]_{4452-a high tower} [she]_{5264-an old woman} made [her]_{5264-an old woman} [home]_497-home : [it]_497-home was very old , very desolate , very barren ; yet [she]_{5264-an old woman} could bear it better than [she]_{5264-an old woman} could any lower range of dwelling . [She]_{5264-an old woman} could see the sunrise and the sunset ; [she]_{5264-an old woman} could see the rain‐mists and [the planets]_{4458-the planets} ; [she]_{5264-an old woman} could look down on all the white curl of the smoke ; and [she]_{5264-an old woman} could hear the bells ring with a strange peculiar sweetness striking straight to [her]_{5264-an old woman} ear across the wilderness of roofs . And then [she]_{5264-an old woman} had the pigeons : [they]_4454-their were not much , but they were something of the old fresh country life ; and now and then [they]_4454-their brought a head of clover or a spray of grass in [their]_4454-their beaks ; and at sight of it the tears would rush into [her]_{5264-an old woman} eyes , and though it was pain , it yet a sweeter one than any pleasure that [she]_{5264-an old woman} had . [She]_{5264-an old woman} maintained [herself]_{5264-an old woman} still without alms , buying [her]_{5264-an old woman} right to live [there]_439-there , and the little food that sufficed for [her]_{5264-an old woman} , by one of those offices in which [the very poor]_{4460-the very poor} contrive to employ [those still poorer than [themselves]_{4460-the very poor}]_{4461-those still poorer than themselves} . [They]_4462-they slept so heavily , [those people who the weight of twenty hours ’ toil]_{4463-those people who the weight of twenty hours ’ toil} , the pangs of hunger , and the chills of cold upon [them]_4462-they , whenever [they]_4462-they laid down , and who would so willingly have slept for ever with any night [they]_4462-they laid [their]_4462-they heads upon [their]_4462-they sacks of rags . But , so long as [they]_4462-they woke at all , [they]_4462-they needed to wake with the first note of the sparrows in the dark . [She]_{5264-an old woman} , so long used to rise ere ever the first streaks of the day were seen , roused scores of [them]_4462-they ; and in payment [they]_4462-they gave [her]_{5264-an old woman} the right to warm [herself]_{5264-an old woman} at [their]_4462-they stove , a handful of [their]_4462-they chestnuts , a fragment of [their]_4462-they crust , a little copper piece — anything that [they]_4462-they could afford or [she]_{5264-an old woman} would consent to take . [A woman]_{4876-a woman} , who had been [the reveilleuse of the quarter many years]_{4465-the reveilleuse of the quarter many years} , had died ; and [they]_4462-they were glad of her;—“Her eyes have no seep in them , ”_[4462-they] [they]_4462-they said ; and [they]_4462-they found that [she]_{5264-an old woman} never failed . It was a strange trade — to rise whilst yet for [the world]_{268-the world} it was night , and go to and fro [the dreary courts]_{4467-the dreary courts} , up and down the gloom of the staircases , and in and out [the silent chambers]_{4468-the silent chambers} , and call all [those sons]_{4469-those sons} and [daughters of wretchedness]_{4470-daughters of wretchedness} from the only peace that [their]_{4469-those sons} lives knew . So often [she]_{5264-an old woman} felt loath to wake [them]_4462-they ; so often [she]_{5264-an old woman} stood beside the bundle of straw on which some dreaming creature , sighing and smiling in [her]_{5264-an old woman} sleep , murmured of [[her]_{5264-an old woman} home]_{5555-her home} , and had not the heart rudely to shatter those mercies of the night . It was a strange sad office , to go alone amongst all those sleepers in the stillness that came before the dawn , and move from [house]_422-house to [house]_422-house , from door to door , from bed to bed , with the one little star of [her]_{5264-an old woman} lamp lone burning . [They]_4462-they were all so poor , so poor , it seemed more cruel than murder only to call [them]_4462-they from [their]_4462-they rest to work , and keep alive in [them]_4462-they that faculty of suffering which was all [they]_4462-they gained from [their]_4462-they humanity . [Her]_{5264-an old woman} pity for [them]_4462-they grew so great that [her]_{5264-an old woman} heart perforce softened to [them]_4462-they also . [Those strong men gaunt with famine]_{4474-those strong men gaunt with famine} , [those white women with [[their]_{4475-those white women with their starved children on their breasts} starved children]_{4476-their starved children} on [their]_{4475-those white women with their starved children on their breasts} breasts]_{4475-those white women with their starved children on their breasts} , [those young maidens worn blind over the needle or the potter]_{4477-those young maidens worn blind over the needle or the potter} ’s clay , [those little children who staggered up in the dark to go to the furnace]_{4478-those little children who staggered up in the dark to go to the furnace} , or the wheel , or the powder‐mill , or the potato‐fields outside the walls,—she could neither fear [them]_4462-they nor hate [them]_4462-they , nor do aught save sorrow for [them]_4462-they with a dumb , passionate , wondering grief . [She]_{5264-an old woman} saw [these people]_{5831-these people} despised for no shame , wretched for no sin , suffering eternally , though guilty of no other fault than that of being in too large numbers on an earth too small for the enormous burden of its endless woe . [She]_{5264-an old woman} found that [she]_{5264-an old woman} had [companions]_{4199-companions} in [her]_{5264-an old woman} misery , and that [she]_{5264-an old woman} was not alone under that bitter scorn which had been poured on [her]_{5264-an old woman} . In a manner [she]_{5264-an old woman} grew to care for [these human creatures]_{4481-these human creatures} , [all strangers]_{4482-all strangers} , yet whose solitude [she]_{5264-an old woman} entered , and whose rest [she]_{5264-an old woman} roused . It was a human interest , a human sympathy . It drew [her]_{5264-an old woman} from the despair that had closed around [her]_{5264-an old woman} . And some of these in turn loved [her]_{5264-an old woman} . Neither poverty nor wretchedness could dull the lustrous , deep‐hued , flowerlike beauty that was [hers]_{5264-an old woman} by nature . As [she]_{5264-an old woman} ascended the dark stone stairs with the little candle raised above [her]_{5264-an old woman} head , and knocking low entered the place where [they]_{5831-these people} slept , [the men]_{450-the men} and [the children]_{452-the children} alike dreamed of strange shapes of paradise and things of sorcery . “ When [she]_{5264-an old woman} wakes [us]_8312-us [the children]_{452-the children} never cry , ”_{[5264-an old woman]} said [a woman whom [she]_{5264-an old woman} always summoned an hour before dawn to rise and walk two leagues to [a distant factory]_{4486-a distant factory}]_{4485-a woman whom she always summoned an hour before dawn to rise and walk two leagues to a distant factory} . It was new to [her]_{5264-an old woman} to be welcomed , it was new to see [the children]_{452-the children} smile because [she]_{5264-an old woman} touched [them]_{452-the children} . It lifted a little the ice that had closed about [her]_{5264-an old woman} heart . It had become the height of the summer . The burning days and the sultry nights poured down on [her]_{5264-an old woman} bare head and blinded [her]_{5264-an old woman} , and filled [her]_{5264-an old woman} throat with the dust of the public ways , and parched [her]_{5264-an old woman} mouth with the thirst of over‐driven cattle . All the while in the hard hot glare [she]_{5264-an old woman} searched for [one voice]_{4488-one voice} . All the while in the hard brazen din [she]_{5264-an old woman} listened for one voice . [She]_{5264-an old woman} wandered all the day , half the night . [They]_4489-they wondered that [she]_{5264-an old woman} woke so surely with every dawn ; [they]_4489-they did not know that seldom did [she]_{5264-an old woman} ever sleep . [She]_{5264-an old woman} sought for [him]_4490-his always;—sought [the busy crowds of [the living]_{8162-the living}]_{4491-the busy crowds of the living} ; sought the burial grounds of [the dead]_{5880-the dead} . As [she]_{5264-an old woman} passed through the endless ways in [the wondrous city]_{4494-the wondrous city} ; as [she]_{5264-an old woman} passed by [the vast temples of art]_{4495-the vast temples of art} ; as [she]_{5264-an old woman} passed by the open doors of the sacred places which [the country]_{751-the country} had raised to the great memories that it treasured ; it became clearer to [her]_{5264-an old woman} — this thing of [his]_4490-his desires,—this deathless name amidst [a nation]_{2319-a nation} , this throne on the awed homage of [a world for which [his]_4490-his life had laboured and striven , and sickened for and endlessly desired]_{4498-a world for which his life had laboured and striven , and sickened for and endlessly desired} . The great purpose , the great end , to which [he]_4490-his had lived grew tangible and present to [her]_{5264-an old woman} ; and in [her]_{5264-an old woman} heart , as [she]_{5264-an old woman} went , [she]_{5264-an old woman} said ever , “ Let [me]_{5264-an old woman} only die as the reed died;—what matter,—so that only [the world]_{268-the world} speak [his]_4490-his name ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} One night [she]_{5264-an old woman} stood on the height of the leads of [the tower]_{2323-the tower} . The pigeons had gone to roost ; the bells had swung themselves into stillness ; far below [the changing crowds]_{4500-the changing crowds} were moving ceaselessly , but to that calm altitude no sound arose from [them]_{4500-the changing crowds} . The stars were out , and a great silver moon bathed half the skies in its white glory . In the stones of the parapet wind‐sown blossoms blew to and fro heavy with dew . The day had been one of oppressive heat . [She]_{5264-an old woman} had toiled all through it , seeking — seeking — seeking — what [she]_{5264-an old woman} never found . [She]_{5264-an old woman} was covered with dust ; parched with thirst ; foot‐weary ; sick at heart . [She]_{5264-an old woman} looked down on [the mighty maze of [the city]_{473-the city}]_{4501-the mighty maze of the city} , and thought—“how long — how long ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} Suddenly a cool hand touched [her]_{5264-an old woman} , a soft voice murmured at [her]_{5264-an old woman} ear . Turning in the gloom [she]_{5264-an old woman} faced [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} . A great terror held [her]_{5264-an old woman} mute and breathless there ; gazing in the paralysis of horror at this frail life , which was for [her]_{5264-an old woman} the incarnation of [the world]_{268-the world} , and by whose lips [the world]_{268-the world} said to her,—“Come , eat and drink , and sow [your]_8315-your garments with gems , and kiss [men]_364-men on the mouth whilst [you]_8315-your slay [them]_364-men , and plunder and poison , and laugh and be wise . For all [[your]_8315-your gods]_{3035-your gods} are dead ; and there is but [one god]_{8318-one god} now — [that god]_{3043-that god} is gold . ”_{[335-the old man]} “ [You]_{5264-an old woman} must be tired , surely , ”_{[335-the old man]} [the old man]_{335-the old man} said , with soft insistence . “ [You]_{5264-an old woman} never find what [you]_{5264-an old woman} seek ; [you]_{5264-an old woman} are always alone , always hungered and poor ; always wretched,—Folle‐Farine . Ah ! [you]_{5264-an old woman} would not eat [my]_{335-the old man} golden pear . It was not wise . ”_{[335-the old man]} [He]_{335-the old man} said so little ; and yet — these slow subtle brief phrases pierced [her]_{5264-an old woman} heart with the full force of their odious meaning . [She]_{5264-an old woman} leaned against the wall , breathing hard and fast , mute , for the moment paralysed . “ [You]_{5264-an old woman} fled away from [me]_{5264-an old woman} that night . It was heroic , foolish , mad . Yet [I]_{5264-an old woman} bear no anger against it . [You]_{5264-an old woman} have not loved [the old dead gods]_{8320-the old dead gods} for nought . [You]_{5264-an old woman} have the temper of [their]_{8320-the old dead gods} times . [You]_{5264-an old woman} obey [them]_{8320-the old dead gods} ; though [they]_{8320-the old dead gods} betray [you]_{5264-an old woman} and forget you,—Folle‐Farine . ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [She]_{5264-an old woman} gazed at [him]_{335-the old man} , fascinated by [her]_{5264-an old woman} very loathing of [him]_{335-the old man} , as the bird by the snake . “ Who told [you]_{335-the old man} ? ”_{[5264-an old woman]} [she]_{5264-an old woman} muttered . “ Who told [me]_{5264-an old woman} , that [you]_{335-the old man} dwell [here]_1434-here ? The sun has a million rays ; so has gold a million eyes ; do [you]_{335-the old man} not know ? There is nothing [you]_{335-the old man} have not done that has not been known to [me]_{5264-an old woman} . But [I]_{5264-an old woman} can always wait;—Folle‐Farine . [You]_{5264-an old woman} are very strong ; [you]_{5264-an old woman} are very weak , of course;—you have a faith ; and [you]_{5264-an old woman} follow it ; and it leads [you]_{5264-an old woman} on and on , on and on , and one day it will disappear — and [you]_{5264-an old woman} will plunge after it,—and it will drown [you]_{5264-an old woman} . [You]_{5264-an old woman} seek for [this man]_{1234-this man} and [you]_{5264-an old woman} can not find even [his]_{1234-this man} grave . [You]_{5264-an old woman} are like [a woman who seeks for [[her]_{8323-a woman who seeks for her lover on a battle‐fields} lover]_{408-her lover} on a battle‐fields]_{8323-a woman who seeks for her lover on a battle‐fields} . But [the world]_{268-the world} is a carnage where the vultures soon pick bare the bones of [the slain]_{8326-the slain} , and all skeletons look alike , and are most unlovely — [Folle‐ Farine]_106-farine . ”_{[5264-an old woman]} “ [You]_{1234-this man} came — to say this ? ”_[4506-her] [she]_4506-her said , through [her]_4506-her locked teeth . “ Nay — [I]_4506-her came to see [your]_{1234-this man} beauty , [your]_{1234-this man} ice‐god tired soon ; but I—. [My]_4506-her golden pear would have been better vengeance for a slighted passion than [this beggar]_{8327-this beggar} ’s quarter , and these wretched rags—. ”_[4506-her] [She]_4506-her held [her]_4506-her misery and [her]_4506-her shame , and [her]_4506-her hatred alike down under enforced composure . “ There is no shame here , ”_[4506-her] [she]_4506-her said , between [her]_4506-her teeth . “ [[A beggar]_{602-a beggar} ’s quarters]_{8329-a beggar ’s quarters} , perhaps ; but there poor copper coins and these rags [I]_4506-her earn with clean hands . ”_[4506-her] [He]_4507-he smiled with that benignant pity , with that malign mockery , which stung [her]_4506-her so ruthlessly . “ No shame ? Oh , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , did [I]_4506-her not tell [you]_{104-folle‐farine} , that , live as [you]_{104-folle‐farine} may , shame will always be [your]_{104-folle‐farine} garment in life and in death ? [You]_{104-folle‐farine} — [a thing beautiful , nameless , homeless , accursed , who dares to dream to be innocent likewise]_{8330-a thing beautiful , nameless , homeless , accursed , who dares to dream to be innocent likewise} ! [The world]_{268-the world} will clothe [you]_{104-folle‐farine} with shame , whether [you]_{104-folle‐farine} choose it or not . But [the world]_{268-the world} , as [I]_4506-her say , will give [you]_{104-folle‐farine} one choice . Take its red robe boldly from it , and weight it with gold and encrust it with jewels . Believe [me]_4506-her , [the women who wear the white garments of virtue]_{8333-the women who wear the white garments of virtue} will envy [you]_{104-folle‐farine} the red robe bitterly , then . ”_[4506-her] [Her]_4506-her arms were crossed upon [her]_4506-her breast ; [her]_4506-her eyes gazed at [him]_4508-he with the look [he]_4508-he had seen in the gloom of the evening , under the orchards by [the side of [the rushing mill‐water]_{4510-the rushing mill‐water}]_{4509-the side of the rushing mill‐water} . “ [You]_4508-he came — to say this ? ”_[4506-her] “ Nay ; [I]_4508-he came to see [your]_{104-folle‐farine} beauty , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [[Your]_{104-folle‐farine} northern god]_{7462-your northern god} soon tired , [I]_4508-he say ; but [I—.]_4508-he Look yonder a moment , ”_[4508-he] [he]_4508-he pursued ; and [he]_4508-he motioned downward to where the long lines of light gleamed in [the wondrous city which was stretched at [their]_4512-their feet]_{4511-the wondrous city which was stretched at their feet} ; and the endless murmur of [its]_{4511-the wondrous city which was stretched at their feet} eternal sea of pleasure floated dimly to [them]_4512-their on the soft night air . “ See here , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} : [you]_{104-folle‐farine} dwell with the lowest ; [you]_{104-folle‐farine} are [the slave of [the street mobs]_{8336-the street mobs}]_{8335-the slave of the street mobs} ; no eyes see [you]_{104-folle‐farine} except those of [the harlot]_{1833-the harlot} , [the beggar]_{1831-the beggar} , [the thief]_{1832-the thief} , [the outcast]_{2685-the outcast} ; [your]_{104-folle‐farine} wage is a crust and a copper coin ; [you]_{104-folle‐farine} have the fate of [[your]_{104-folle‐farine} namesake]_{8341-your namesake} , the dust , to wander a little while , and then sink on the stones of [the streets]_{5229-the streets} . Yet that [you]_{104-folle‐farine} think worthy and faithful , because it is pure , alike , of alms and of vice . Oh , [beautiful fool]_{8343-beautiful fool} ! what would [[your]_{104-folle‐farine} lost lover]_{8344-your lost lover} say if beholding [you]_{104-folle‐farine} here , amidst the reek of [the mob]_{5166-the mob} and the homage of [thieves]_7869-thieves ? [He]_{8344-your lost lover} would say of [you]_{104-folle‐farine} the most bitter thing that [a man]_{4875-a man} can say of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} : ‘ [She]_{4876-a woman} has sunk into sin , but [she]_{4876-a woman} has been powerless to gild [her]_{4876-a woman} sin , or make it of more profit than [her]_{4876-a woman} innocence . ’ And [a man]_{4875-a man} has no scorn like the scorn which [he]_{4875-a man} feels for [a woman who sells [her]_{4876-a woman} soul]_{8350-a woman who sells her soul} — at a loss . [You]_{104-folle‐farine} see?—ah ! surely [you]_{104-folle‐farine} see , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ? ”_[4513-she] [She]_4513-she shook like a leaf where [she]_4513-she stood , with the yellow and lustrous moonlight about [her]_4513-she . [She]_4513-she saw — [she]_4513-she saw now ! And [she]_4513-she had been mad enough to dream that if [she]_4513-she lived in honesty , and by labour that [she]_4513-she loathed won back , with hands clean of crime as of alms , the gold which [he]_4514-you had left as the wages of [her]_4513-she beauty , and found [him]_4514-you and gave it to [him]_4514-you without a word , [he]_4514-you would at least believe — believe so much as this , that [her]_4513-she hunger had been famine , and [her]_4513-she need misery , and [her]_4513-she homelessness that of the stray dog which is kicked from even a ditch , and hunted from even [a graveyard]_{4515-a graveyard} : but that through it all [she]_4513-she had never touched one coin of that cruel and merciless gift . “ [You]_4514-you see ? ”_[4513-she] pursued the low , flute‐like moaning mockery of [[her]_4513-she tormentor]_{3980-her tormentor} ’s voice . “ [You]_4514-you see ? [You]_4514-you have all the shame : it is [your]_4514-you birthright ; and [you]_4514-you have nothing of the sweetness which may go with shame for [a woman who has beauty]_{8351-a woman who has beauty} . Now , look yonder . There lies [the world]_{268-the world} , which when [I]_4517-she saw [you]_4514-you last was to [you]_4514-you only an empty name . Now [you]_4514-you know it — know it , at least , enough to be aware of all [you]_4514-you have not , all [you]_4514-you might have in it , if [you]_4514-you took [my]_4517-she golden pear . [You]_4514-you must be tired , [Folle‐Farine,—to]_{254-folle‐farine,—to} stand homeless under the gilded balconies ; to be footsore in the summer dust amongst [the rolling carriages]_{8353-the rolling carriages} ; to stand outcast and famished before the palace gates ; to see the smiles upon a million mouths , and on them all not one smile upon [you]_4514-you ; to show [yourself]_4514-you hourly amongst [a mob]_{8354-a mob} , that [you]_4514-you may buy a little bread to eat , a little straw to rest on ! [You]_4514-you must be tired , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ! ”_[4517-she] [She]_4517-she was silent where [she]_4517-she stood in the moonlight , with the clouds seeming to lean and touch [her]_4517-she , and far beneath the blaze of the myriad of lights shining through the soft darkness of the summer night . [Tired!—ah]_{255-tired!—ah} , God!—tired , indeed . But not for any cause of which [he]_4518-he spake . “ [You]_4514-you must be tired . Now , eat of [my]_4519-her golden pear ; and there , where [the world]_{268-the world} lies yonder at [our]_8356-our feet , no name shall be on the mouths of [men]_364-men as [your]_4514-you name shall be in a day . Through the crowds [you]_4514-you shall be borne by horses fleet as the winds ; or [you]_4514-you shall lean above [them]_364-men from [a gilded gallery]_{4416-a gilded gallery} , and mock [them]_364-men at [your]_4514-you fancy there on high in a cloud of flowers . Great jewels shall beam on [you]_4514-you like planets ; and the only chains that [you]_4514-you shall wear shall be links of gold , like the chains of [a priestess of old]_{8359-a priestess of old} . [Your]_4514-you mere wish shall be as [a sorcerer]_{6926-a sorcerer} ’s wand , to bring [you]_4514-you the thing of [our]_8356-our idlest desire . [You]_4514-you have been despised!—what vengeance sweeter than to see [men]_364-men grovel to win [your]_4514-you glance , as [the swine at the feet of [Circe]_256-circe]_{8362-the swine at the feet of circe} ? [You]_4514-you have been scorned and accursed ! — what retribution fuller than for [women]_365-women to behold in [you]_4514-you the sweetness and magnificence of shame , and through [you]_4514-you , envy , and fall , and worship the Evil which begot [you]_4514-you ? Has humanity been so fair a friend to [you]_4514-you that [you]_4514-you can hesitate to strike at [its]_8364-its heart with such a vengeance — so symmetrical in justice , so cynical in irony ? Humanity cast [you]_4514-you out to wither at [your]_4514-you birth,—a thing rootless , nameless , only meet for the snake and the worm . If [you]_4514-you bear poison in [your]_4514-you fruit , is that [your]_4514-you fault , or the fault of the human hands that cast the chance‐sown weed out on the dunghill to perish ? [I]_4519-her do not speak of passion . [I]_4519-her use no amorous phrase . [I]_4519-her am old and ill‐favoured ; and [I]_4519-her know that , any way , [you]_4514-you will for ever hate [me]_4519-her . But the rage of [the desert‐beast]_{8365-the desert‐beast} is more beautiful than the meek submission of the animal timid and tame . It is the lioness in [you]_4514-you that [I]_4519-her care to chain ; but [your]_4514-you chains shall be of gold , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ; and [all women]_{5171-all women} will envy . Name [your]_4514-you price , set it high as [you]_4514-you will ; there is nothing that [I]_4519-her will refuse . Nay , even [I]_4519-her will find [[your]_4514-you lover]_{4203-your lover} , who loves not [you]_4514-you ; and [I]_4519-her will let [you]_4514-you have [your]_4514-you fullest vengeance on [him]_{4203-your lover} . A noble vengeance , for no other would be worthy of [your]_4514-you strength . Living or dead , [his]_{4203-your lover} genius shall be made known to [men]_364-men ; and , before another summer comes , all [the world]_{268-the world} shall toss aloft in triumph the name that is now nothing as the dust is;—nothing as [you]_4514-you are , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ! ”_[4519-her] [She]_4519-her heard in silence to the end . On the height of the roof‐tops all was still ; the stars seemed to beam close against [her]_4519-her sight ; below was [the infinite space of the darkness , in which lines of light glittered where the haunts of pleasure lay]_{4520-the infinite space of the darkness , in which lines of light glittered where the haunts of pleasure lay} ; all creatures near [her]_4519-her slept ; the wind‐sown plants blew to and fro , rooted in the spaces of the stones . As the last words died softly on the quiet of the air , in answer , [she]_4519-her reached [her]_4519-her hand upward , broke off a tuft of the yellow wall‐blossom , and cast it out with one turn of [her]_4519-her wrist down into the void of the darkness . “ What do [I]_4519-her say ? ”_[4519-her] [she]_4519-her said , slowly . “ What ? Well , this : [I]_4519-her could seize [you]_4521-you , and cast [you]_4521-you down into the dark below there , as easily as [I]_4519-her cast that tuft of weed . And why [I]_4519-her hold [my]_4519-her hand [I]_4519-her can not tell ; it would be just . ”_[4519-her] And [she]_4519-her turned away and walked from [him]_4521-you in the gloom , slowly , as though the deed [she]_4519-her spake of tempted [her]_4519-her . THE poverties of [the city]_{473-the city} devoured [her]_4519-her incessantly , like wolves ; the temptations of [the city]_{473-the city} crouched in wait for [her]_4519-her incessantly , like tigers . [She]_4519-her was always hungry , always heartsick , always alone ; and there was always at [her]_4519-her ear some tempting voice , telling [her]_4519-her that [she]_4519-her was beautiful and was [a fool]_{4935-a fool} . Yet [she]_4519-her never dreamed once of listening , of yielding , of taking any pity on [herself]_4519-her . Was this virtue ? [She]_4519-her never thought of it as such ; it was simply instinct ; the instinct of a supreme fidelity , in which all slighter and meaner passions were absorbed and slain . Once or twice , through some lighted casement in some lamp‐lit wood , where the little gay boats flashed on fairy lakes , [she]_4519-her would coldly watch that luxury , that indolence , that rest of the senses , with a curl on [her]_4519-her lips , where [she]_4519-her sat or stood , in the shadow of the trees . “ To wear soft stuffs and rich colours , to have jewels in [their]_4526-their breasts , to sleep in satin , to hear [fools]_4955-fools laugh , to have both hands full of gold , that is what [women]_365-women love , ”_[4519-her] [she]_4519-her thought ; and laughed a little in [her]_4519-her cold wonder , and went back to [her]_4519-her high cage in [the tower]_{2323-the tower} , and called the pigeons in from the rooftops at sunset , and kissed [their]_4526-their purple throats , and broke amongst [them]_4526-their [her]_4519-her one dry crust , and , supperless [herself]_4519-her , sat on the parapet and watched the round white moon rise over the shining roofs of [Paris]_10-paris . [She]_4519-her was ignorant , [she]_4519-her was friendless , [she]_4519-her was savage , [she]_4519-her was very wretched ; but [she]_4519-her had a supreme love in [her]_4519-her , and [she]_4519-her was strong . A hundred times [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} tried to steal through the lips which hunger , [[his]_{211-the red mouse} servile and unfailing minister]_{4527-his servile and unfailing minister} , would surely , [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} thought , disbar and unclose to [him]_{211-the red mouse} sooner or later . “ [You]_4519-her will tire , and [I]_{211-the red mouse} can wait , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , ”_{[211-the red mouse]} [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} had said to [her]_4519-her , by the tongue of [the old man Sartorian]_{8144-the old man sartorian} ; and [he]_{211-the red mouse} kept [his]_{211-the red mouse} word very patiently . [He]_{211-the red mouse} was patient , [he]_{211-the red mouse} was wise ; [he]_{211-the red mouse} believed in the power of gold , and had no faith in the strength of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} . [He]_{211-the red mouse} knew how to wait — unseen , so that this rare bird should not perceive the net spread for it in its wildness and wariness . [He]_{211-the red mouse} did not pursue , nor too quickly incense [her]_4519-her . Only in the dark cheerless mists , when [she]_4519-her rose to go amongst the world of [the sleeping poor at [her]_4519-her threshold]_{4530-the sleeping poor at her threshold} , [she]_4519-her would step on some gift worthy of [a queen]_{7004-a queen} ’s acceptance , without date or word , gleaming there against the stone of the stairs . When [she]_4519-her climbed to [her]_4519-her hole in the roof at the close of a day , all pain , all fatigue , all vain endeavour , all bootless labour to and fro the labyrinth of [streets]_7798-streets , there would be on [her]_4519-her bare bench such fruit and flowers as [Dorothea]_257-dorothea might have sent from [Paradise]_75-paradise , and curled amidst them some thin leaf that would have bought the weight of the pines and of the grapes in gold . When in the dusk of the night [she]_4519-her went , wearily and footsore , through [the byways]_{4533-the byways} and over the sharp set flints of [the quarters of [the outcasts]_{2694-the outcasts}]_{4534-the quarters of the outcasts} and [the beggars , sick with the tumult and the stench and the squalor , parched with dust , worn with hunger , blind with the endless search for one face amidst the millions]_{4536-the beggars , sick with the tumult and the stench and the squalor , parched with dust , worn with hunger , blind with the endless search for one face amidst the millions} , going [home]_497-home — oh , mockery of the word!—to a bed of straw , to a cage among the roofs , to a handful of rice as a meal , to a night of loneliness and cold and misery ; at such a moment now and then through the gloom a voice would steal to [her]_4519-her , saying : “ Are [you]_4519-her not tired yet , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ? ”_[4519-her] But [she]_4519-her never paused to hear the voice , nor gave it any answer . The mill dust ; the reed by [the river]_{356-the river} ; the nameless , friendless , rootless thing that [her]_4519-her fate made [her]_4519-her , should have been so weak , and so lightly blown by every chance breeze — so [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} told [her]_4519-her ; should have asked no better ending than to be wafted up a little while upon the winds of praise , or woven with a golden braid into a crown of pleasure . Yet [she]_4519-her was so stubborn and would not ; yet [she]_4519-her dared deride [[her]_4519-her tempters]_{4539-her tempters} , and defy [her]_4519-her destiny , and be strong . For Love was with [her]_4519-her . And though [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} lies often in [Love]_103-love ’s breast , and is cradled there [a welcome guest]_{4540-a welcome guest} , yet when [Love]_103-love , once in a million times , shakes off [his]_103-love sloth , and flings [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} with it from [him]_103-love , [he]_103-love flings with a hand of force ; and the beast crouches and flees , and dares meddle with Love no more . In one of the first weeks of the wilder weather , weather that had the purple glow of the autumnal storms and the chills of coming winter on it , [she]_4519-her arose , as [her]_4519-her habit was , ere the night was altogether spent , and lit [her]_4519-her little taper , and went out upon the rounds to rouse the sleepers . [She]_4519-her had barely tasted food for many hours . All the means of subsistence that [she]_4519-her had were the few coins earned from [those as poor almost as [herself]_4519-her]_{4541-those as poor almost as herself} . Often these went in dept to [her]_4519-her , and begged for a little time to get the piece or two of base metal that [they]_4542-they owed [her]_4519-her ; and [she]_4519-her forgave [them]_4542-they such debts always , not having the heart to take the last miserable pittance from some trembling withered hand which had worked through fourscore years of toil , and found no payment but its wrinkles on its palm ; not having the force to fill [her]_4519-her own plate with crusts which could only be purchased by the hunger cries of [some starveling infant]_{4543-some starveling infant} , or by [the barter of some little value‐ less cross of ivory or rosary of berries long cherished in some aching breast after all else was lost or spent]_{4544-the barter of some little value‐ less cross of ivory or rosary of berries long cherished in some aching breast after all else was lost or spent} . [She]_4519-her had barely tasted food that day , worst of all [she]_4519-her had not even a few grains to scatter to the hungry pigeons as they had fluttered to [her]_4519-her on the house‐top in the stormy twilights as the evening fell . [She]_4519-her had lain awake all the night hearing the strokes of the bells sound the hours , and seeming to say to [her]_4519-her as they beat on the silence — “ Dost [thou]_8372-thou dare to be strong , [thou]_8372-thou ? a grain of dust , a reed of [the river]_{356-the river} , a Nothing ? ”_[4519-her] When [she]_4519-her rose , and drew back the iron staple that fastened [her]_4519-her door , and went out on [the crazy stairway]_{4545-the crazy stairway} , [she]_4519-her struck [her]_4519-her foot against a thing of metal . It glitter in the feeble beams from [her]_4519-her lamp . [She]_4519-her took it up ; it was a little precious casket , such as of old the Red Mouse lurked in , amongst the pearls , to spring out from their whiteness into the purer snow of [Gretchen]_{214-old mother margot} ’s breast . With it was only one written line . “ When [you]_{4548-an old crone} are tired,—Folle‐Farine ? ”_[4519-her] [She]_4519-her was already tired , tired with the horrible thirsty weariness of [the young lioness starved and cramped in a cage in [a city]_{6616-a city}]_{4546-the young lioness starved and cramped in a cage in a city} . [An old crone]_{4548-an old crone} sat on a niche on the wall . [She]_4519-her thrust [her]_4519-her lean bony face , lit with wolf ’s eyes through the gloom . “ Are [you]_{4548-an old crone} not tired ? ”_[4519-her] [she]_4519-her muttered in the formula taught [her]_4519-her . “ Are [you]_{4548-an old crone} not tired , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} ? ”_[4519-her] “ If [I]_4519-her be , what of that ? ”_[4519-her] [she]_4519-her answered , and [she]_4519-her thrust the case away to the feet of [the woman]_{633-the woman} , still shut , and went on with [her]_4519-her little dim taper down round the twist of the stairs . [She]_4519-her knew what [she]_4519-her did , what [she]_4519-her put away . [She]_4519-her had come to know , too , what share the sex of [[her]_4519-her mother]_{774-her mother} takes in the bringing to the lips of [their]_4551-their kind the golden pear that to most needs no pressing . “ If [I]_{4552-a serving‐girl , young , with sallow cheeks , and a hollow voice , and eyes of fever} had only [your]_4519-her face , and [your]_4519-her chances , ”_{[4552-a serving‐girl , young , with sallow cheeks , and a hollow voice , and eyes of fever]} had said to [her]_4519-her that day [a serving‐girl , young , with sallow cheeks , and a hollow voice , and eyes of fever]_{4552-a serving‐girl , young , with sallow cheeks , and a hollow voice , and eyes of fever} , who lived in a den lower down on the stair‐way . “ Are [you]_4519-her mad that [you]_4519-her hunger here when [you]_4519-her might hang [yourself]_4519-her with diamonds like [[our]_8374-our Lady of [Atocha]_99-atocha]_{8375-our lady of atocha} ? ”_{[4553-a dancing‐woman with sullen eyes and a yellow skin from the hither side of the mountains , who begged in the streets all day]} cried [a dancing‐woman with sullen eyes and a yellow skin from [the hither side of [the mountains]_{1040-the mountains}]_{4554-the hither side of the mountains} , who begged in [the streets]_{5229-the streets} all day]_{4553-a dancing‐woman with sullen eyes and a yellow skin from the hither side of the mountains , who begged in the streets all day} . So , many tongues hissed to [her]_4519-her in different fashions . It seemed to many of [them]_4557-them impious in one like [her]_4519-her to dare to be stronger than the gold was that assailed [her]_4519-her , to dare to live up there among the clouds ; and hunger , and thirst , and keep [her]_4519-her silence , and strike dumb all the mouths that tried to woo [her]_4519-her down , and shake aside all the hands that strove softly to slide [their]_4557-them purchase‐monies into [hers]_4519-her . For [they]_4557-them chimed in chorus as the bells did : “ Strength in the dust — in a reed — in a Nothing ? ”_[4557-them] It was a bitter windy morning ; the rain fell heavily ; there were no stars out , and the air was sharp and raw . [She]_4519-her was too used to all changes of weather to take heed of it , but [her]_4519-her thin clothes were soaked through , and [her]_4519-her hair was drenched as [she]_4519-her crossed [the courts]_{4558-the courts} and traversed [the passages]_{4559-the passages} to reach [[her]_4519-her various employers]_{4560-her various employers} . The first [she]_4519-her roused was [a poor sickly woman sleeping feverishly on an old rope mat]_{4561-a poor sickly woman sleeping feverishly on an old rope mat} ; the second [an old man]_{1169-an old man} wrestling with nightmare as the rain poured on [him]_{1169-an old man} through a hole in the roof , making [him]_{1169-an old man} dream that [he]_{1169-an old man} was drowning . [The third]_{4563-the third} was [a woman so old that [[her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} quarter]_{4565-her quarter}]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} accredited [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} with a century of age ; [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} woke mumbling that it was hard at [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} years to have to go and pick rags for a crumb of bread . [The fourth]_{4566-the fourth} was [a little child]_{607-a little child} not seven ; [he]_{4566-the fourth} was [an orphan]_{4568-an orphan} , and [the people who kept [him]_{4566-the fourth}]_{4569-the people who kept him} sent [him]_{4566-the fourth} out to get herbs in [the outlying villages]_{4570-the outlying villages} to sell in [the streets]_{5229-the streets} , and beat [him]_{4566-the fourth} if [he]_{4566-the fourth} let [other children]_{780-other children} be beforehand with [him]_{4566-the fourth} . [He]_{4566-the fourth} woke sobbing ; [he]_{4566-the fourth} had dreamed of [[his]_{4566-the fourth} dead mother]_{4573-his dead mother} , and cried out that it was so cold , so cold . There were [scores like [them]_4575-they at whose doors [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} knocked , or whose [chambers]_{4576-chambers} [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} entered]_{4574-scores like them at whose doors she knocked , or whose chambers she entered} . The brief kind night was over , and [they]_4575-they had to arise and work,—or die . “ Why do [they]_4575-they not die ? ”_{[4564-a woman so old that her quarter]} [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} wondered ; and [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} thought of [the dear gods that [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} had loved]_{4577-the dear gods that she had loved} , [the gods of oblivion]_{2666-the gods of oblivion} . Truly there were no gifts like [their]_{4577-the dear gods that she had loved} gifts ; and yet [men]_364-men knew [their]_364-men worth so little!—but thrust [Hypnos]_165-hypnos back in scorn , dashing [their]_364-men wine‐cups in [his]_4580-his eyes ; and mocked [Oneiros]_166-oneiros , calling [him]_166-oneiros [the guest of love‐sick fools and of mad poets]_{4581-the guest of love‐sick fools and of mad poets} ; and against [Thanatos]_167-thanatos strove always in hatred and terror as against [[their]_{4577-the dear gods that she had loved} dreaded foe]_{4582-their dreaded foe} . It was a strange melancholy dreary labour this into which [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} had entered . It was all dark . The little light [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} bore scarcely shed its rays beyond [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} feet . It was all still . The winds sounded infinitely sad amongst [those vaulted passages]_{4583-those vaulted passages} and the deep shafts of the stairways . Now and then [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s voice in prayer or [a man]_{4875-a man} ’s in blasphemy echoed dully through [the old half‐ruined buildings]_{4586-the old half‐ruined buildings} . Otherwise an intense silence reigned there , where all save [herself]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} were sleeping . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} used to think [it]_4587-it was [a city of the dead]_{4588-a city of the dead} , in which [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} alone was living . And sometimes [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} had not the heart to waken [them]_4589-them ; when there was a smile on some wan , worn face that never knew [one]_1305-one in its waking hours ; or when [some childless mother in [her]_{4591-some childless mother in her lonely bed in sleeping fancy} lonely bed in sleeping fancy]_{4591-some childless mother in her lonely bed in sleeping fancy} drew young arms about [her]_{4591-some childless mother in her lonely bed in sleeping fancy} throat . This morning when all [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} tasks were done , and [all the toilers]_{4592-all the toilers} summoned to another day of pain , [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} retraced [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} steps slowly , bearing the light aloft , and with its feeble rays shed on the colourless splendour of [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} face , and on [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} luminous dilated troubled eyes that were for ever seeking what [they]_{4592-all the toilers} never found . [A long vaulted passage stretched between [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} and the foot of the steps that led to [the tower]_{2323-the tower}]_{4593-a long vaulted passage stretched between her and the foot of the steps that led to the tower} ; many doors opened on [it]_{4593-a long vaulted passage stretched between her and the foot of the steps that led to the tower} , the winds wailed through it , and the ragged clothes of [the tenants]_{4595-the tenants} blew to and fro upon the swaying cords . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} traversed [it]_{4593-a long vaulted passage stretched between her and the foot of the steps that led to the tower} , and slowly mounted [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} own staircase , which was spiral and narrow , with little loopholes ever and again that looked out upon the walls , and higher on the roofs , and higher yet upon the open sky . By one of these [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} paused and looked out wearily . It was dark still ; great low rain‐clouds floated by ; a little caged bird stirred with a sad note ; nightly rains swept by from [the westward]_{4596-the westward} , sweet with the smell of [the distant fields]_{4597-the distant fields} . [Her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} heart ached for [the country]_{751-the country} . It was so still there in the dusk [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} knew , even in this wild autumn night , which there would be so purple with leaf shadow , so brown with embracing branches , so grey with silvery faint mists , so lily white with virgin snows . Ah , [God]_118-god ! to reach it once again , [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} thought , if only to die in it . And yet [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} stayed on in this , which was to [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} the deepest hell , stayed on because [he]_4599-he — in life or death,—was here . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} started as a hand touched [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} softly , where [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} stood looking through the narrow space . The eyes of [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} smiled on [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} through the twilight . “ Do [you]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} shrink still ? ”_{[221-sartorian]} [he]_{221-sartorian} said , gently . “ Put back [your]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} knife ; look at [me]_{221-sartorian} quietly ; [you]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} will not have the casket?—very well . [Your]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} strength is folly ; yet it is noble . It becomes [you]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} . [I]_{221-sartorian} do [you]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} good for ill . [I]_{221-sartorian} have had search made for [[your]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} lover]_{4203-your lover} , who loves not [you]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} . [I]_{221-sartorian} have found [him]_{4203-your lover} . ”_{[221-sartorian]} “ Living ? ”_{[4564-a woman so old that her quarter]} [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} quivered from head to foot ; the grey walls reeled round [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} ; [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} feared , [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} hoped , [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} doubted , [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} believed . Was it hell ? Was it [heaven]_1212-heaven ? [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} could not tell . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} cared not which , so that only [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} could look once more upon the face of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . “ Living , ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn answered [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} , and still [he]_172-arslàn smiled . “ [Living]_258-living . Come with [me]_172-arslàn , and see how [he]_172-arslàn has used the liberty [you]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} gave . Come . ”_{[172-arslàn]} [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} staggered to [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} feet and rose , and held [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} knife close in the bosom of [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} dress , and with passionate eyes of hope and dread searched the face of [the old man through the shadows]_{4601-the old man through the shadows} . “ Is it the truth ? ”_{[4564-a woman so old that her quarter]} [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} muttered . “ If [you]_172-arslàn mock [me]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} — if [you]_172-arslàn lie — ”_{[4564-a woman so old that her quarter]} “ [Your]_172-arslàn knife will sheathe itself in [my]_{221-sartorian} body , [I]_{221-sartorian} know . Nay , [I]_{221-sartorian} have never lied to [you]_172-arslàn . [One]_1305-one can not wear a velvet glove to tame [a lioness]_{7468-a lioness} . Come with [me]_{221-sartorian} ; fear nothing , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . Come with [me]_{221-sartorian} , and see with [your]_172-arslàn own eye‐sight how the world of [men]_364-men has dealt with this [[your]_172-arslàn god]_{4869-your god} . ”_{[221-sartorian]} “ [I]_{221-sartorian} will come . ”_{[221-sartorian]} [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} gazed at [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} in silence . “ [You]_172-arslàn are [a barbarian]_{3450-a barbarian} ; and so [you]_172-arslàn are heroic always . [I]_{221-sartorian} would not lie to [you]_172-arslàn , and [here]_1434-here [I]_{221-sartorian} have no need . Come ; it is very near to [you]_172-arslàn . A rood of stone can sever two lives , though the strength of all [the world]_{268-the world} can not unite them . Come . ”_{[221-sartorian]} [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} gripped the knife closer , and , with feet that stumbled as the feet of a dumb beast that goes out to its slaughter , followed [him]_{221-sartorian} , through [the dark and narrow ways]_{4602-the dark and narrow ways} . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} had no fear for [herself]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} ; [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} had no dread of treachery or peril ; for [herself]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} could be strong — always : and the point of the steel was set hard against [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} breast . But for [him?—had]_{221-sartorian} [the gods]_{1366-the gods} forgotten ? had [he]_{221-sartorian} forgot ? [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} was sick and cold and white with terror as [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} went . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} dreaded the unknown thing [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} eyes might look upon . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} dreaded the truth that [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} had sought to learn all through the burning months of summer , all through the horrors of [the crowded city]_{4604-the crowded city} . Was it well with [him]_{221-sartorian} , or ill ? Had [the gods]_{1366-the gods} remembered at last ? Had [the stubborn necks of [men]_364-men]_{4606-the stubborn necks of men} been bent to [his]_{221-sartorian} feet ? Was [he]_{221-sartorian} free?—free to rise in the heights of lofty desire , and never look downward — in pity — once ? [They]_4608-they passed in silence through many passage ways of [the great stone hive of human life in which [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} dwelt]_{4609-the great stone hive of human life in which she dwelt} . Once only [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} paused and looked back and spoke . “ If [you]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} find [him]_{221-sartorian} in [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ’s arms — lost in a sloth of passion — what then ? Will [you]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} stay still , let [him]_{221-sartorian} have greatness ? ”_{[221-sartorian]} In the gloom [he]_{221-sartorian} saw [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} stagger as though struck upon the head . But [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} rallied and gazed at [him]_{221-sartorian} in answer with eyes that would neither change nor shrink . “ What is that to [you]_{221-sartorian} ? ”_{[4564-a woman so old that her quarter]} [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} said , in [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} shut teeth . “ Show [me]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} the truth : as for [him]_{221-sartorian} — [he]_{221-sartorian} has a right to do as [he]_{221-sartorian} will . Have [I]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} said ever otherwise ? ”_{[4564-a woman so old that her quarter]} [He]_{221-sartorian} led the way onward in silence . This passion , so heroic even in its barbarism , so faithful even in its wretchedness , so pure even in its abandonment , almost appalled [him]_{221-sartorian} — and yet on it [he]_{221-sartorian} had no pity . By [his]_{221-sartorian} lips [the world]_{268-the world} spoke : [the world which , to [a creature nameless , homeless , godless , friendless]_{4612-a creature nameless , homeless , godless , friendless} , offered only one choice — shame or death]_{4611-the world which , to a creature nameless , homeless , godless , friendless , offered only one choice — shame or death} ; and for such privilege of choice bade [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} be thankful to [men]_364-men and to [[their]_364-men deity]_{4614-their deity} . [He]_{221-sartorian} led [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} through many vaulted ways , and up the shaft of a stone stairway in a distant side of the vast pile , which , from holding many habitants of [kings]_5162-kings and [monks and scholars]_{4616-monks and scholars} , had become [the populous home of [the most wretched travailers of [a great city]_{4363-a great city}]_{4618-the most wretched travailers of a great city}]_{4617-the populous home of the most wretched travailers of a great city} . “ Wait here , ”_{[221-sartorian]} [he]_{221-sartorian} said , and drew [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} backward into a hollow in the wall . [It]_4620-it was nearly dark . As [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} stood there in the darkness looking down through [the narrow space]_{4621-the narrow space} , there came a shadow to [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} through the gloom — a human shadow , noiseless and voiceless . It ascended [the shaft of the stairs]_{4622-the shaft of the stairs} with a silent swift tread and passed by [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} and went onward ; as it passed , the rays of [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} lamp were shed on it , and [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} eyes at last saw the face of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . It was pale as death ; [his]_172-arslàn head was sunk on [his]_172-arslàn breast ; [his]_172-arslàn lips muttered without the sounds of words , [his]_172-arslàn fair hair streamed in the wind ; [he]_172-arslàn moved without haste , without pause , with the pulseless haste , the bloodless quiet of a phantom . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} had heard [men]_364-men talk of those who being dead yet dwelt on [earth]_5276-earth and moved amidst [the living]_{8162-the living} . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} had no thought of [him]_172-arslàn in that moment save as amongst [the dead]_{5880-the dead} . But [he]_172-arslàn , dead or living , could have no horror for [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} ; [he]_172-arslàn , dead or living , ruled [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} as the moon [the sea]_{405-the sea} , and drew [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} after [him]_172-arslàn , and formed the one law of [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} life . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} neither trembled nor prayed , nor wept nor laughed , nor cried aloud in [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} inconceivable joy . [Her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} heart stood still , as though some hand had caught and gripped it . [She]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} was silent in the breathless silence of an unspeakable awe ; and with a step as noiseless as [his]_172-arslàn own [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} glided in [his]_172-arslàn path through the deep shaft of the stairs , upward and upward through [the hushed house]_{4628-the hushed house} , through [the innumerable chambers]_{4629-the innumerable chambers} , through the dusky shadows , through the chill of the bitter dawn , through the close hive of the sleeping creatures , up and up , into the very roof itself , where it seemed to meet the low and lurid clouds , and to be lifted from the habitations and [the homes of [men]_364-men]_{4630-the homes of men} . A doorway was open ; [he]_172-arslàn passed through [it]_4632-it ; beyond [it]_4632-it was [a bare square place through which there came the feeblest rays of dawn]_{4633-a bare square place through which there came the feeblest rays of dawn} , making the yellow oil flame that burned in it look dull and hot and garish . [He]_172-arslàn passed into [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} and stood still a moment , with [his]_172-arslàn head dropped on [his]_172-arslàn chest and [his]_172-arslàn lips muttering sounds without meaning . The light fell on [his]_172-arslàn face ; [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} saw that [he]_172-arslàn was living . Crouched on [his]_172-arslàn threshold , [she]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} watched [him]_172-arslàn , [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} heart leaping with a hope so keen , a rapture so intense , that its very strength and purity suffocated [her]_{4564-a woman so old that her quarter} like some mountain air too pure and strong for human lungs to breathe . [He]_172-arslàn walked in [his]_172-arslàn sleep ; that sleep so strange and so terrible , which drugs the sense and yet stimulates the brain : in which [the sleeper]_{2370-the sleeper} moves , acts , remembers , returns to daily habits , and resorts to daily haunts , and yet to all the world around [him]_172-arslàn is deaf and blind and indifferent as the dead . The restless brain , unstrung by too much travail and to little food , had moved the limbs unconsciously to [their]_4636-their old haunts and habits ; and in [his]_172-arslàn sleep , though sightless and senseless , [he]_172-arslàn seemed still to know and still to suffer . For [he]_172-arslàn moved again after a moment ’s rest , and passed straight to the wooden tressels on which a great canvas was outstretched . [He]_172-arslàn sank down on a rough bench in front of [it]_4637-it , and passed [his]_172-arslàn hand before the picture with the fond caressing gesture with which [a painter]_{7077-a painter} shows to another some wave of light , some grace of colour , and then sat there , stupidly , steadfastly , with [his]_172-arslàn elbows on [his]_172-arslàn knees and [his]_172-arslàn head on [his]_172-arslàn hands , and [his]_172-arslàn eyes fastened on the creation before [him]_172-arslàn . [It]_4639-it was [a rugged , desolate , wind‐blown chamber]_{4640-a rugged , desolate , wind‐blown chamber} , set in [the topmost height of the old pile , beaten on by all snows , drenched by all rains]_{4641-the topmost height of the old pile , beaten on by all snows , drenched by all rains} , rocked by all storms , bare , comfortless , poor to the direst stretch of poverty , close against the clouds and with the brazen bells and teeming roofs of [the city]_{473-the city} close beneath . [She]_4643-she saw [his]_172-arslàn face once more . [She]_4643-she had dwelt by [him]_172-arslàn for many weeks , and no sense of [his]_172-arslàn presence had come to [her]_4643-she , no instinct had awakened in [him]_172-arslàn towards the love which clung to [him]_172-arslàn with a faithfulness only as great as its humility . [She]_4643-she , praying always to see [this man]_{1234-this man} once more , and die — had been severed from [him]_172-arslàn by the breadth of a stone as by [an ocean]_{4645-an ocean} ’s width ; and [he]_172-arslàn — doomed to fail always , spending [his]_172-arslàn life in one endeavour , and by that one perpetually vanquished — [he]_172-arslàn had had no space left to look up at [a nameless creature with lithe golden limbs , about whose head the white‐winged pigeons fluttered at twilight on [the house‐top]_{4647-the house‐top}]_{4646-a nameless creature with lithe golden limbs , about whose head the white‐winged pigeons fluttered at twilight on the house‐top} . [His]_172-arslàn eyes had swept over [her]_4643-she more than once ; but they had had no sight for [her]_4643-she ; they were [a poet]_{1315-a poet} ’s eyes that saw for ever in fancy faces more amorous and divine , limbs lovelier and more lily‐like , mouths sweeter and more persuasive in [their]_4649-their kiss , than any [they]_4649-their ever saw on [earth]_5276-earth . One passion consumed [him]_172-arslàn , and left [him]_172-arslàn not pause , nor breath , nor pity , nor sorrow for any other thing . [He]_172-arslàn rested from [his]_172-arslàn work and knew that it was good ; but this could not content [him]_172-arslàn , for this [[his]_172-arslàn fellow‐men]_{6993-his fellow‐men} denied . There was scarcely any light , but there was enough for [her]_4643-she to read [his]_172-arslàn story by — the story of continual failure . Yet where [she]_4643-she hid upon the threshold [her]_4643-she heart beat with wildest music of recovered joy : [she]_4643-she had found [him]_172-arslàn , and [she]_4643-she had found [him]_172-arslàn alone . [No woman]_{1187-no woman} leaned upon [his]_172-arslàn breast ; no soft tossed hair bathed [his]_172-arslàn arms , no mouth murmured against [his]_172-arslàn own . [He]_172-arslàn was alone . [[Her]_4643-she only rival]_{4653-her only rival} was that one great passion with which [she]_4643-she had never in [her]_4643-she humility dreamed to meet [herself]_4643-she . Dead [he]_172-arslàn might be to all the world of [men]_364-men , dead in [his]_172-arslàn own sight by a worse fate than any death could give : but for [her]_4643-she [he]_172-arslàn was living,—to [her]_4643-she what mattered failure or scorn , famine or woe , defeat or despair ? [She]_4643-she crouched upon [his]_172-arslàn threshold now , and trembled , with the madness of [her]_4643-she joy , and courted its torture . [She]_4643-she dared not creep and touch [his]_172-arslàn hand , [she]_4643-she dared not steal and kneel a moment at [his]_172-arslàn feet . [He]_172-arslàn had rejected [her]_4643-she . [He]_172-arslàn had had no need of [her]_4643-she . [He]_172-arslàn had left [her]_4643-she with the first hour that freedom came to [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn had seen [her]_4643-she beauty , and learned its lines and hues , and used them for [his]_172-arslàn art , and let it go again , a soulless thing that gave [him]_172-arslàn no delight ; a thing so slight that [he]_172-arslàn had thought it scarcely worth [his]_172-arslàn while even to break it for an hour ’s sport . This was what [he]_172-arslàn had deemed [her]_4643-she ; that [she]_4643-she knew . [She]_4643-she accepted the fate at [his]_172-arslàn hands with the submission that was an integral part of the love [she]_4643-she bore [him]_172-arslàn . [She]_4643-she had never thought of equality between [herself]_4643-she and [him]_172-arslàn ; [he]_172-arslàn might have beaten [her]_4643-she , or kicked [her]_4643-she , as [a brute [his]_172-arslàn dog]_{4655-a brute his dog} , and [she]_4643-she would not have resisted nor resented . To find [him]_172-arslàn , to watch [him]_172-arslàn from a distance , to serve [him]_172-arslàn in any humble ways [she]_4643-she might ; to give [him]_172-arslàn [his]_172-arslàn soul ’s desire , if any barter of [her]_4643-she own soul could purchase it,—this was all [she]_4643-she asked . [She]_4643-she had told [him]_172-arslàn that [he]_172-arslàn could have no sins to [her]_4643-she , and it had been no empty phrase . [She]_4643-she crouched on [his]_172-arslàn threshold , not daring to breathe aloud lest [he]_172-arslàn should hear [her]_4643-she . In the dull light of dawn and of the sickly lamp [she]_4643-she saw the great canvas on the tressels that [his]_172-arslàn eyes , without seeing it , yet stared at;—it was the great picture of the Barabbas , living its completed life in colour : beautiful , fearful , and divine , full of its majesty of godhead and its mockery of [man]_4882-man . [She]_4643-she knew then how the season since [they]_4657-they had parted had been spent with [him]_172-arslàn ; [she]_4643-she knew then , without any telling [her]_4643-she in words , how [he]_172-arslàn had given up all [his]_172-arslàn nights and days , all [his]_172-arslàn scant store of gold , all leisure and comfort and peace , all hours of summer sunshine and of midnight cold , all laughter of [glad places]_{4658-glad places} , and all pleasures of passion or of ease , to render perfect this one work by which [he]_172-arslàn had elected to make good [his]_172-arslàn fame or perish . And [she]_4643-she knew that [he]_172-arslàn must have failed ; failed always ; that spending [his]_172-arslàn life in one endeavour , circumstance had been stronger than [he]_172-arslàn , and had baffled [him]_172-arslàn perpetually . [She]_4643-she knew that it was still in vain that [he]_172-arslàn gave [his]_172-arslàn peace and strength and passions , all the golden years of manhood , and all the dreams and delights of the senses ; and that , although these were a treasure which once spent came back nevermore to the hands which scattered them , [he]_172-arslàn had failed to purchase with them , though they were [his]_172-arslàn all , this sole thing which [he]_172-arslàn besought from the waywardness of fate . “ [I]_172-arslàn will find a name or a grave , ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn had said , when [they]_4659-they had parted : [she]_4643-she , with the instinct of that supreme love which clung to [him]_172-arslàn with a faithfulness only equalled by its humility , needed no second look upon [his]_172-arslàn face to see that [no gods]_{4660-no gods} had answered [him]_172-arslàn save [the gods of oblivion;—the gods whose pity [he]_172-arslàn rejected and whose divinity [he]_172-arslàn denied]_{4661-the gods of oblivion;—the gods whose pity he rejected and whose divinity he denied} . For to the proud eyes of [a man , looking eagle‐wise at the far‐off sun of a great ambition]_{4662-a man , looking eagle‐wise at the far‐off sun of a great ambition} , the coming of [Thanatos]_167-thanatos could seem neither as consolation nor as vengeance , but only as the crowning irony in the mockery and the futility of life . THE dawn grew into morning . A day broke full of winds and of showers , with the dark masses of clouds tossed roughly hither and thither , and the bells of the steeples blown harshly out of time and tune , and the wet metal roofs glistening through a steam of rain . [The sleepers]_{4663-the sleepers} wakened of [themselves]_{4663-the sleepers} or dreamed on as [they]_{4663-the sleepers} might . [She]_4643-she had no memory of [them]_{4663-the sleepers} . [She]_4643-she crouched in the gloom on [his]_172-arslàn threshold , watching [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn sank awhile into profound stupor , sitting there before [his]_172-arslàn canvas , with [his]_172-arslàn head dropped and [his]_172-arslàn eyelids closed . Then suddenly a shudder ran through [him]_172-arslàn ; [he]_172-arslàn awoke with a start , and shook off the lethargy which drugged [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn rose slowly to [his]_172-arslàn feet , and looked at the open shutters , and saw that it was morning . “ Another day — another day ! ”_{[172-arslàn]} [he]_172-arslàn muttered , wearily ; and [he]_172-arslàn turned from [the Barabbas]_206-barabbas and flung [himself]_172-arslàn face forward on [his]_172-arslàn bed of straw . Towards the form on [his]_172-arslàn threshold [he]_172-arslàn had never looked . [She]_4643-she sat without and waited . Waited — for what ? [She]_4643-she did not know . [She]_4643-she did not dare even to steal to [him]_172-arslàn and touch [his]_172-arslàn hand with even such a timid caress as a beaten dog ventures to give the hand of [the master who has driven it from [him]_172-arslàn]_{4664-the master who has driven it from him} . For [even a beaten dog]_{4665-even a beaten dog} is a creature less humble and timid than [a woman that loves and whose love is rejected]_{4666-a woman that loves and whose love is rejected} . [He]_172-arslàn took up a palette ready set , and went to a blank space of canvas and began to cover it with shapes and shadows on the unconscious creative instinct of the surcharged brain . Faces and foilage , beasts and scrolls , the heads of [gods]_5169-gods , the folds of snakes , forms of [women rising from flames and clouds]_{4668-women rising from flames and clouds} , the flowers of Paradise blossoming amidst the corruption and tortures of [Antenora]_100-antenora . All were cast in confusion , wave on wave , shape on shape , horror with loveliness , air with flame , heaven with hell , in all the mad tumult of [an artist]_{284-an artist} ’s dream . With a curse [he]_172-arslàn flung [his]_172-arslàn brushes from [him]_172-arslàn , and cast [himself]_172-arslàn face downward on [his]_172-arslàn bed of straw . The riot of fever was in [his]_172-arslàn blood . Famine , sleepless nights , opiates with which [he]_172-arslàn had lulled the pangs of vain desires , unnatural defiance of all passions and all joys , the pestilence rife in the crowded quarter of [the poor,—all these]_{4670-the poor,—all these} had done [their]_{4670-the poor,—all these} work upon [him]_172-arslàn . [He]_172-arslàn had breathed in the foul air of [plague‐stricken]_{101-plague‐stricken} places , unconscious of its peril ; [he]_172-arslàn had starved [his]_172-arslàn body , reckless of the flight of time ; [he]_172-arslàn had consumed [his]_172-arslàn manhood in one ceaseless , ruthless , and absorbing sacrifice ; and [Nature]_111-nature , whom [he]_172-arslàn had thus outraged , and thought to outrage with impunity as mere bestial feebleness , took [her]_111-nature vengeance on [him]_172-arslàn and cast [him]_172-arslàn here , and mocked [him]_172-arslàn , crying : — “ [A deathless name?—Oh]_{8385-a deathless name?—oh} , [madman]_8386-madman . A little breath on the mouths of [men in all the ages]_{8387-men in all the ages} to come?—Oh , [fool]_4877-fool ! Hereafter , [you]_8386-madman cry ? — oh , fool!—heaven and earth may pass away , like a scroll that is burnt into ashes , and the future [you]_8386-madman live for may never come — neither for [you]_8386-madman nor [the world]_{268-the world} . What [you]_8386-madman may gain — who shall say ? But all [you]_8386-madman have missed , [I]_111-nature know . And [no man]_{392-no man} shall scorn [me]_111-nature — and pass unscathed . ”_[111-nature] There came [an old lame woman]_{4671-an old lame woman} by , laboriously bearing a load of firewood . [She]_{4671-an old lame woman} passed beside the threshold . “ [You]_8386-madman look yonder , ”_{[4671-an old lame woman]} [she]_{4671-an old lame woman} said , resting [her]_{4671-an old lame woman} eyes on [the stranger crouching on the threshold]_{4672-the stranger crouching on the threshold} . “ Are [you]_8386-madman anything to [that man]_{8391-that man} ? ”_{[4671-an old lame woman]} Silence only answered [her]_{4671-an old lame woman} . “ [He]_{8391-that man} has [no friends]_{8392-no friends} , ”_{[2584-the cripple]} muttered [the cripple]_{2584-the cripple} . “ [No human being]_{8393-no human being} has ever come to [him]_{8391-that man} ; and [he]_{8391-that man} has been here many months . [He]_{8391-that man} will be mad — very soon . [I]_{2584-the cripple} have seen it before . [Those men]_{8394-those men} do not die . [Their]_{8394-those men} bodies are too strong . But [their]_{8394-those men} brains go,—look [you]_8386-madman . And [their]_{8394-those men} brains go , and yet [they]_{8394-those men} live — to fourscore and ten many a time — shut up and manacled like wild beasts . ”_{[2584-the cripple]} [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} shivered where [she]_{104-folle‐farine} crouched in the shadow of the doorway ; [she]_{104-folle‐farine} still said nothing . [The crone]_{4674-the crone} mumbled on indifferent of answer , and yet pitiful , gazing into [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} . “ [I]_{4674-the crone} have watched [him]_{8391-that man} often ; [he]_{8391-that man} is fair to look at — [one]_1305-one is never too old to care for that . All winter , spring , and summer [he]_{8391-that man} has lived so hard:—so cold too and so silent — painting that strange thing yonder . [He]_{8391-that man} looks like [a king]_{5063-a king} — [he]_{8391-that man} lives like [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} . The picture was [his]_{8391-that man} god,—see [you]_8386-madman . And no doubt [he]_{8391-that man} has set [his]_{8391-that man} soul on fame — [men]_364-men will . All [the world]_{268-the world} is mad . One day in the spring time it was sent somewhere — that great thing yonder on the tressels,—to be seen by [the world]_{268-the world} , no doubt . And [whoever its fate lay with]_{8401-whoever its fate lay with} would not see any greatness in it , or else no eyes would look . It came back as it went . No doubt [they]_8402-they knew best;—in [the world]_{268-the world} . That was in the spring of the year . [He]_{8391-that man} has been like this ever since . Walking most nights;—starving most days;—I think . But [he]_{8391-that man} is always silent . ”_{[4674-the crone]} [The speaker]_{789-the speaker} raised [her]_{789-the speaker} pails and went slowly , muttering as [she]_{789-the speaker} limped down [each steep stair]_{4677-each steep stair} : “ There must hang a crown of stars , [I]_{789-the speaker} suppose — somewhere — since so many of [them]_8404-them for ever try to reach one . But all [they]_8404-them ever get here below is a crown of straws in [a madhouse]_{8405-a madhouse} . ”_{[789-the speaker]} “ [The woman]_{633-the woman} says aright , ”_{[221-sartorian]} the voice of [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} murmured low against [her]_{789-the speaker} ear . [She]_{789-the speaker} had forgotten that [he]_4678-him was near from the first moment that [her]_{789-the speaker} eyes had once more fed themselves upon the face of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn . “ [The woman]_{633-the woman} says aright , ”_[4678-him] [he]_4678-him echoed softly . “ [This man]_{1234-this man} will perish ; [his]_{1234-this man} body may not die , but [his]_{1234-this man} brain will — surely . And yet for [his]_{1234-this man} life [you]_4678-him would give [yours]_4678-him ? ”_[4678-him] [She]_{789-the speaker} looked up with a gleam of incredulous hope ; [she]_{789-the speaker} was yet so ignorant ; [she]_{789-the speaker} thought there might yet be ways by which one life could buy another ’s from the mercy of earth , from the pity of heaven . “ Ah ! ”_{[789-the speaker]} [she]_{789-the speaker} murmured with a swift soft trembling eagerness . “ If [the gods]_{1366-the gods} would but remember!—and take [me]_{789-the speaker} instead . But [they]_{1366-the gods} forget — [they]_{1366-the gods} forget always . [He]_{1234-this man} smiled . “_{[789-the speaker]} Ay , truly , [the gods]_{1366-the gods} forget . But if [you]_{789-the speaker} would give [yourself]_{789-the speaker} to death for [him]_4678-him , why not do a lesser thing?—give [your]_{789-the speaker} beauty — [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” A scarlet flush burnt [her]_{789-the speaker} from head to foot . For once [she]_{789-the speaker} mistook [his]_{1234-this man} meaning . [She]_{789-the speaker} thought — how could a beauty that [he]_4678-him who perished there had scorned , have rarity or grace in those cold eyes , or force or light enough to lure [him]_4678-him from [his]_4678-him grave ? The low melody of the voice in [her]_{789-the speaker} ear flowed on . “_{[789-the speaker]} See [you]_{789-the speaker} — what [he]_4678-him lacks is only the sinew that gold gives . What [he]_4678-him has done is great . The world rightly seeing must fear it ; and fear is the highest homage [the world]_{268-the world} ever gives . But [he]_4678-him is penniless ; and [he]_4678-him has many foes ; and jealousy can with so much ease thrust aside the greatness which it fears into obscurity , when that greatness is marred by the failures and the feebleness of poverty . [Genius]_259-genius scorns the power of gold : it is wrong ; gold is the war scythe on [its]_259-genius chariot , which mows down the millions of [its]_259-genius foes and gives free passage to [the sun‐coursers]_{4681-the sun‐coursers} , with which it leaves [those heavenly fields of light]_{4682-those heavenly fields of light} for [the gross battle‐fields of earth]_{4683-the gross battle‐fields of earth} . ” “_{[789-the speaker]} [You]_{789-the speaker} were to give that gold , ” [she]_0-her muttered , in [her]_0-her throat . “_{[789-the speaker]} Nay , not so . [I]_0-her was to set [him]_4678-him free : to find [his]_4678-him fame or [his]_4678-him grave ; as [he]_4678-him might . [He]_4678-him will soon find one , no doubt . Nay ; [you]_{789-the speaker} would make no bond with [me]_0-her , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [You]_{789-the speaker} scorned [my]_0-her golden pear . Otherwise — how great [his]_4678-him genius is ! That cruel scorn , that burning colour , that ice‐like coldness ! If [the world]_{268-the world} could be brought to see [them]_4685-them once aright , [the world]_{268-the world} would know that no powers greater than these have been amongst [it]_{268-the world} for many ages . But who shall force [the world]_{268-the world} to look?—who ? It is so deaf , so slow of foot , so blind , unless the film before its eyes be opened by gold . ” [He]_{789-the speaker} paused and waited . [She]_0-her watched silent on the threshold there . The cruel skill of [his]_{789-the speaker} words cast on [her]_0-her all the weight of this ruin which [they]_4685-them watched . [Her]_0-her love must need be weak , [her]_0-her pledge to [the gods]_{1366-the gods} must needs be but imperfectly redeemed , since [she]_0-her , who had bade [them]_4685-them let [her]_0-her perish in [his]_{789-the speaker} stead , recoiled from the lingering living death of any shame , if such could save [him]_{789-the speaker} . The sweet voice of [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} murmured on : “_{[4688-many foes]} Nay ; it were easy . [He]_4678-him has [many foes]_{4688-many foes} . [He]_4678-him daunts [the world]_{268-the world} and scourges [it]_{268-the world} . [Men]_364-men hate [him]_4678-him , and thrust [him]_4678-him into oblivion . Yet it were easy!—a few praises to [the powerful]_{4691-the powerful} , a few bribes to the base , and yonder thing once lifted up in the full light of [the world]_{268-the world} , would make [him]_4678-him great — beyond [any man]_{4852-any man} ’s dispute — for ever . [I]_0-her could do it , almost in a day ; and [he]_4678-him need never know . But then [you]_0-her are not tired,—Folle‐Farine ! ” [She]_0-her writhed from [him]_4678-him , as the doe struck to the ground writhes from the hounds at [her]_0-her throat . “_[0-her] Kill [me]_0-her ! ” [she]_0-her muttered . “_[0-her] Will not that serve [you]_0-her ? Kill [me]_0-her — and save [him]_4678-him ! ” [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} smiled . “_[0-her] Ah ! [you]_0-her are but weak , after all , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . [You]_0-her would die for [that man]_{8391-that man} ’s single sake — so [you]_0-her say ; and yet it is not [him]_4678-him whom [you]_0-her love . It is [yourself]_0-her . If this passion of [yours]_0-her were great and pure , as [you]_0-her say , would [you]_0-her pause ? Could [you]_0-her ask [yourself]_0-her twice if what [you]_0-her think [your]_0-her shame would not grow noble and pure beyond all honour , being embraced for [his]_4678-him sake ? Nay ; [you]_0-her are weak , like all [your]_0-her sex . [You]_0-her would die , so [you]_0-her say . To say it is easy ; but to live , that were harder . [You]_0-her will not sacrifice [yourself]_0-her — so . And yet it were greater far , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} , to endure for [his]_4678-him sake in silence one look of [his]_4678-him scorn , than to brave , in visionary phrase , the thrusts of a thousand daggers , the pangs of a thousand deaths . Kill [you!—vain]_{4695-you!—vain} words cost but little . But to save [him]_4678-him by sacrifice that [he]_4678-him shall never acknowledge ; to reach a heroism which [he]_4678-him shall ever regard as cowardice ; to live and see [him]_4678-him pass [you]_0-her by in cold contempt , while in [your]_0-her heart [you]_0-her shut [your]_0-her secret , and know that [you]_0-her have given [him]_4678-him [his]_4678-him soul ’s desire , and saved the genius in [him]_4678-him from [[a madman]_{1877-a madman} ’s cell]_{4697-a madman ’s cell} and from [a pauper]_{4698-a pauper} ’s grave — ah ! that is beyond [you]_0-her ; beyond [any woman perhaps]_{4699-any woman perhaps} . And yet [your]_0-her love seemed great enough almost to reach such a height as this , [I]_0-her thought . ” [He]_4678-him looked at [her]_0-her once , then turned away . [He]_4678-him left in [her]_0-her soul the barbed sting of remorse . [He]_4678-him had made [her]_0-her think [her]_0-her faith , [her]_0-her love , [her]_0-her strength , [her]_0-her sinless force , were but the cowardly fruit of cruellest self‐love , that dared all things in words,—yet in action failed . To save [him]_4678-him by any martyrdom of [her]_0-her body or [her]_0-her soul , so [she]_0-her had sworn ; yet now ! — Suddenly [she]_0-her seemed base to [herself]_0-her , and timorous , and false . When daybreak came fully over [the roofs of [the city]_{473-the city}]_{8411-the roofs of the city} , it found [him]_4678-him senseless , sightless , dying in [a garret]_{8413-a garret} : the only freedom that [he]_4678-him had reached was the delirious liberty of the brain , which , in its madness , casts aside all bonds of time and place and memory and reason . All the day [she]_0-her watched beside [him]_4678-him , there , amidst the brazen clangour of the bells and scream of the rough winds above [the roofs]_{8414-the roofs} . In the gloom of [the place]_{342-the place} , the burning colour of the great canvas of [Jerusalem]_70-jerusalem glowed in s wondrous pomp and power against all the grey , cold poverty of [that wretched place]_{8416-that wretched place} . And [the wanton]_{6361-the wanton} laughed with [[her]_{6361-the wanton} lover]_{408-her lover} on [the housetop]_{8419-the housetop} ; and [the thief]_{1832-the thief} clutched the rolling gold ; and [the children]_{452-the children} lapped the purple steam of wasted wine ; and [the throngs]_{8422-the throngs} flocked after [the thief]_{1832-the thief} , whom [they]_{8422-the throngs} had elected for [[their]_{8422-the throngs} god]_{1335-their god} ; and ever and again a stray flickering ray of light flashed from the gloom of [the desolate chamber]_{6591-the desolate chamber} , and struck upon it till it glowed like flame;—this mighty parable , whereby the choice of [the people]_{4948-the people} was symbolised for all time ; the choice eternal , which never changes , but for ever turns from all diviner life to grovel in the dust before the Beast . The magnificence of thought , the glory of imagination , the radiance of colour which the canvas held , served only to make more naked , more barren , more hideous the absolute desolation which reigned around . Not one grace , not one charm , not one consolation had been left to the life of [the man who had sacrificed all things to the inexorable tyranny of [his]_4678-him genius]_{8427-the man who had sacrificed all things to the inexorable tyranny of his genius} . Destitution , in its ghastliest and most bitter meaning , was alone [his]_4678-him recompense and portion . Save a few of the tools and pigments of [his]_4678-him art , and a little opium in a broken glass , there was nothing there to stand between [him]_4678-him and utter famine . When [her]_{6361-the wanton} eyes had first dwelt upon [him]_4678-him lying senseless under the gaze of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} , [he]_4678-him had not been more absolutely destitute than [he]_4678-him was now . The hard sharp outlines of [his]_4678-him fleshless limbs , the sunken temples , the hollow cheeks , the heavy respiration which spoke each breath a pang,—all these told [their]_{8422-the throngs} story with an eloquence more cruel than lies in any words . [He]_4678-him had dared to scourge [the world]_{268-the world} without gold in [his]_4678-him hand wherewith to bribe it to bear [his]_4678-him stripes ; and [the world]_{268-the world} had been stronger than [he]_4678-him , and had taken [its]_{268-the world} vengeance , and had cast [him]_4678-him here powerless . All the day through [she]_{6361-the wanton} watched beside [him]_4678-him — watched the dull mute suffering of stupor , which was only broken by fierce unconscious words muttered in the unknown tongue of [[his]_4678-him birth country]_{8431-his birth country} . [She]_{6361-the wanton} could give [him]_4678-him no aid , no food , no succour ; [she]_{6361-the wanton} was [the slave of [the poorest of [the poor]_{5743-the poor}]_{8433-the poorest of the poor}]_{8432-the slave of the poorest of the poor} ; [she]_{6361-the wanton} had not upon [her]_{6361-the wanton} even so much as a copper piece to buy a crust of bread , a stoup of wine , a little cluster of autumn fruit to cool [his]_4678-him burning lips . [She]_{6361-the wanton} had nothing,—she , who in the world of [men]_364-men had dared to be strong , and to shut [her]_{6361-the wanton} lips , and to keep [her]_{6361-the wanton} hands clean , and [her]_{6361-the wanton} feet straight ; [she]_{6361-the wanton} , whose soul had been closed against the Red Mouse . If [she]_{6361-the wanton} had gone down amongst [the dancing throngs]_{8436-the dancing throngs} , and rioted with [them]_{8436-the dancing throngs} , and feasted with [them]_{8436-the dancing throngs} , and lived vilely , [they]_{8436-the dancing throngs} would have hung [her]_{6361-the wanton} breast with gems , and paved [her]_{6361-the wanton} path with gold . That [she]_{6361-the wanton} knew ; and [she]_{6361-the wanton} could have saved [him]_4678-him . Where [she]_{6361-the wanton} kneeled beside [his]_4678-him bed [she]_{6361-the wanton} drew [his]_4678-him hands against [her]_{6361-the wanton} heart — timidly , lest consciousness should come to [him]_4678-him and [he]_4678-him should curse [her]_{6361-the wanton} and drive [her]_{6361-the wanton} thence;—and laid [her]_{6361-the wanton} lips on them , and bathed them in the scorching dew of [her]_{6361-the wanton} hot tears , and prayed [him]_4678-him to pardon [her]_{6361-the wanton} if it had been weakness in [her,—if]_{8437-her,—if} it had been feebleness and self‐pity thus to shrink from any abasement , any vileness , any martyrdom , if such could have done [him]_4678-him service . [She]_{6361-the wanton} did not know ; [she]_{6361-the wanton} felt astray and blind , and full of guilt . It might be — so [she]_{6361-the wanton} thought — that it was thus [the gods]_{1366-the gods} had tested [her]_{6361-the wanton} ; thus [they]_{1366-the gods} had bade [her]_{6361-the wanton} suffer shame to give [him]_4678-him glory ; thus [they]_{1366-the gods} had tried [her]_{6361-the wanton} strength,—and found [her]_{6361-the wanton} wanting . [Herself]_{6361-the wanton} , [she]_{6361-the wanton} was so utterly nothing in [her]_{6361-the wanton} own sight , and [he]_4678-him was so utterly all in all ; [her]_{6361-the wanton} life was a thing so undesired and so valueless , and [his]_4678-him a thing so great and so measureless in majesty , that it seemed to [her]_{6361-the wanton} [she]_{6361-the wanton} might have erred in thrusting away infamy , since infamy would have brought with it gold to serve [him]_4678-him . Dignity , innocence , strength , pride — what right had [she]_{6361-the wanton} to these , what title had [she]_{6361-the wanton} to claim them — [she]_{6361-the wanton} who had been less than the dust from [her]_{6361-the wanton} birth upward ? To perish for [him]_4678-him anyhow — that was all that [she]_{6361-the wanton} had craved in prayer of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} . And [she]_{6361-the wanton} watched [him]_4678-him now all through the bitter day ; watched [him]_4678-him dying of hunger , of fever , of endless desire , of continual failure,—and was helpless . More helpless even than [she]_{6361-the wanton} had been when first [she]_{6361-the wanton} had claimed back [his]_4678-him life from [Thanatos]_167-thanatos . Seven days [she]_{6361-the wanton} watched thus by [him]_4678-him amidst the metal clangour of the bells , amidst the wailing of the autumn winds between the roofs . [She]_{6361-the wanton} moistened [his]_4678-him lips with a little water : it was all [he]_4678-him took . A few times [she]_{6361-the wanton} left [him]_4678-him and stole down amidst [the people whom [she]_{6361-the wanton} had served]_{8440-the people whom she had served} , and was met by a curse from [most of [them]_{8440-the people whom she had served}]_{8441-most of them} ; for [they]_{8440-the people whom she had served} thought that [she]_{6361-the wanton} tended some unknown fever which [she]_{6361-the wanton} might bring amidst [them]_{8440-the people whom she had served} , so [they]_{8440-the people whom she had served} drove [her]_{6361-the wanton} back and would hear naught of [her]_{6361-the wanton} . [A few , more pitiful than the rest]_{8442-a few , more pitiful than the rest} , flung [her]_{6361-the wanton} twice or thrice a little broken bread ; [she]_{6361-the wanton} took it eagerly , and fed on it , knowing that [she]_{6361-the wanton} must keep life in [her]_{6361-the wanton} by some food , or leave [him]_4678-him utterly alone . For [him]_4678-him [she]_{6361-the wanton} had laid down all pride ; for [him]_4678-him [she]_{6361-the wanton} would have kissed the feet of [the basest]_{8443-the basest} or sued to the lowest for alms . And when [the people]_{4948-the people} — whose debts to [her]_{6361-the wanton} [she]_{6361-the wanton} had often forgiven , and whom [she]_{6361-the wanton} had once fancied had borne [her]_{6361-the wanton} a little love — drove [her]_{6361-the wanton} from [them]_{4948-the people} with harshest reviling , [she]_{6361-the wanton} answered nothing , but dropped [her]_{6361-the wanton} head and turned and crept again up [the winding stairs]_{2424-the winding stairs} to kneel beside [his]_4678-him couch of straw , and wonder , in the bewildered anguish of [her]_{6361-the wanton} aching brain , if indeed evil were good,—since evil alone could save [him]_4678-him . Seven days went by ; the chimes of the bells blown on the wild autumn winds in strange bursts of jangled sound ; the ceaseless murmur of [[the city]_{473-the city} ’s crowd]_{8447-the city ’s crowd} surging ever on the silence from [the far depths below]_{8448-the far depths below} ; sunrise and moonrise following one another with no change in the perishing life that [she]_{6361-the wanton} alone guarded , whilst every day the light that freshly rose upon [the world]_{268-the world} found the picture of [the Barabbas]_206-barabbas , and shone on [the god rejected]_{8450-the god rejected} and [the thief adored]_{8451-the thief adored} . Every night during those seven days the flute‐like voice of [[her]_{6361-the wanton} tempter]_{3994-her tempter} made hated music to [her]_{6361-the wanton} ear . It asked always , — “_[0-her] Are [you]_4700-you tired,—Folle‐Farine ? ” [Her]_{6361-the wanton} ears were always deaf ; [her]_{6361-the wanton} lips were always dumb . On the eigth night [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} paused a little longer by [her]_{6361-the wanton} in the gloom . “_[4700-you] [He]_4701-him dies there , ” [he]_{221-sartorian} said , slowly resting [his]_{221-sartorian} tranquil musing gaze upon the bed of straw . “_[4701-him] It is a pity . So little would save [him]_4701-him still . A little wine , a little fruit , a little skill,—his soul ’s desire when [his]_4701-him sense returns . So little — and [he]_4701-him would live , and [he]_4701-him would be great ; and [the Barabbas]_206-barabbas would scourge the secret sins of [the nations]_{2458-the nations} , and [the nations]_{2458-the nations} , out of very fear and very shame , would lift [their]_{2458-the nations} voices loud and hail [him]_4701-him [prophet and seer]_{4704-prophet and seer} . ” [Her]_{6361-the wanton} strength was broken as [she]_{6361-the wanton} heard . [She]_{6361-the wanton} turned and flung [herself]_{6361-the wanton} in supplication at [his]_4701-him feet . “_{[2458-the nations]} So little — so little ; and [you]_4705-you hold [your]_4705-you hand ! ” [Sartorian]_{221-sartorian} smiled . “_[4705-you] Nay ; [you]_4705-you hold [your]_4705-you silence , [Folle‐Farine]_{104-folle‐farine} . ” [She]_{6361-the wanton} did not move ; [her]_{6361-the wanton} upraised face spoke without words the passion of [her]_{6361-the wanton} prayer . “_[4705-you] Save him!—save [him]_4701-him ! So little , so [you]_4705-you say ; and [the gods]_{1366-the gods} will not hear . ” “_{[1366-the gods]} [The gods]_{1366-the gods} are all dead,—Folle‐Farine . ” “_{[1366-the gods]} Save [him]_4701-him ! [You]_4705-you are as [a god]_{942-a god} ! Save [him]_4701-him ! ” “_[0-her] [I]_0-her am but a mortal,—Folle‐Farine . Can [I]_0-her open the gates of [the tomb]_{4709-the tomb} , or close them ? ” “_[4705-you] [You]_4705-you can save [him,—for]_{4710-him,—for} [you]_4705-you have gold . ” [He]_4701-him smiled still . “_[4705-you] Ah ! [you]_4705-you learn at last that there is but [one god]_{8318-one god} ? [You]_4705-you have been slow to believe,—Folle‐Farine . ” [She]_4705-you clung to [him]_4701-him ; [she]_4705-you writhed around [him]_4701-him ; [she]_4705-you kissed with [her]_4705-you soilless lips the base dust at [his]_4701-him feet . “_[4705-you] [You]_4705-you hold the keys of [the world]_{268-the world} ; [you]_4705-you can save the life of [his]_{8318-one god} body ; [you]_4705-you can give [him]_{8318-one god} the life of [his]_{8318-one god} soul . [You]_4705-you are [a beast]_{1378-a beast} , [a devil]_{678-a devil} , [a thing foul and unclean , and without mercy , and cruel as a lie]_{4715-a thing foul and unclean , and without mercy , and cruel as a lie} ; and therefore [you]_4705-you are the thing that [men]_364-men follow , and worship , and obey . [I]_0-her know!—I know ! [You]_4705-you can save [him]_{8318-one god} if [you]_4705-you will ! ” [She]_0-her laughed where [she]_0-her was stretched upon the ground , a laugh that stayed the smile upon [his]_{8318-one god} mouth . [He]_{8318-one god} stooped , and the sweetness of [his]_{8318-one god} voice was low and soft as the south wind . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her will save [him]_{8318-one god} , if [you]_4705-you say that [you]_4705-you are tired,—Folle‐Farine . ” Where [she]_0-her was stretched face downward at [his]_{8318-one god} feet [she]_0-her shuddered , as though the folds of a snake curled round [her]_0-her , and stifled [her]_0-her , and slew [her]_0-her with a touch . “_[0-her] [I]_0-her can not ! ” [she]_0-her muttered faintly in [her]_0-her throat . “_[0-her] Then let [him]_{8318-one god} die ! ” [he]_{8318-one god} said ; and turned away . Once again [he]_{8318-one god} smiled,—and left [her]_0-her . The hours passed ; [she]_0-her did not move ; stretched there , [she]_0-her wrestled with [her]_0-her agony as the fate‐pursued wrestled with [their]_8453-their doom on the steps of [the temple]_{8454-the temple} , while [the dread Eumenides]_{8455-the dread eumenides} drew round [them]_8453-their and waited — waiting in cold patience for the slow sure end . [She]_0-her arose and went to [Arslàn]_172-arslàn ’s side as a dying beast in [the public roadway]_{8456-the public roadway} under a blow staggers to its feet to breathe its last . “_[0-her] Let [him]_{8318-one god} die ! ” [she]_0-her muttered , with lips dry as the lips of [the dead]_{5880-the dead} . “_[0-her] Let [him]_{8318-one god} die ! ” Once more the choice was left to [her]_0-her . So [men]_364-men said : and [the gods]_{1366-the gods} were dead . [An old creature , with a vulture ’s eyes and bony fingers , and rags that were plague‐stricken with the poisons of filth and of disease]_{8460-an old creature , with a vulture ’s eyes and bony fingers , and rags that were plague‐stricken with the poisons of filth and of disease} , had followed and looked at [her]_0-her in the doorway , and kicked [her]_0-her where [she]_0-her lay . “_{[8318-one god]} [He]_{8318-one god} owes [me]_0-her twenty days for [the room]_{2665-the room} , ” [he]_{1234-this man} muttered , while [his]_{1234-this man} breath scorched [her]_0-her throat with the fumes of drink . “_{[8318-one god]} A debt is a debt . To‐morrow [I]_0-her will take the canvas ; it will do to burn . [You]_4718-you shiver?—fool ! If [you]_4718-you chose , [you]_4718-you could fill [this garret]_{4719-this garret} with gold this very night . But [you]_4718-you love [this man]_{1234-this man} , and so [you]_4718-you let [him]_{1234-this man} perish while [you]_4718-you prate of ‘ shame . ’ Oh‐ho ! that is [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ! ” [He]_{1234-this man} went away through the blackness and the stench , muttering , as [he]_{1234-this man} struck [his]_{1234-this man} staff upon [each stair]_{8461-each stair} : “_{[4876-a woman]} The picture will feed the stove ; the law will give [me]_0-her that . ” [She]_0-her heard and shivered , and looked at the bed of straw , and on the great canvas of [the Barabbas]_206-barabbas . Before another day had come and gone , [he]_{1234-this man} would lie in [the common ditch of [the poor]_{5743-the poor}]_{8462-the common ditch of the poor} , and the work of [his]_{1234-this man} hand would be withered , as a scroll withers in a flame . If [she]_0-her tried once more ? If [she]_0-her sought human pity , human aid ? Some deliverance , some mercy,—who could say ? — might yet be found , [she]_0-her thought . [The gods]_{1366-the gods} were dead ; but [men]_364-men — were [they]_364-men all more wanton than the snake , more cruel than the scorpion ? For the first time in seven days [she]_0-her left [his]_{1234-this man} side to go forth into [the living world]_{6185-the living world} . [She]_0-her rose and staggered for [the garret]_{8467-the garret} , down [the stairway]_{8468-the stairway} , into [the lower stories of [the wilderness of wood and stone]_{8470-the wilderness of wood and stone}]_{8469-the lower stories of the wilderness of wood and stone} . [She]_0-her traced [her]_0-her way blindly to [the places [she]_0-her had known]_{8471-the places she had known} . [They]_{8471-the places she had known} closed [their]_{8471-the places she had known} doors in haste , and fled from [her]_0-her in terror . [They]_{8471-the places she had known} had heard that [she]_0-her had gone to tend [some madman plague‐stricken]_{8472-some madman plague‐stricken} with some nameless fever ; and those wretched lives to life clung closely , with a frantic love . [One woman [she]_0-her stayed]_{8473-one woman she stayed} , and held with timid , eager hands . Of [this woman]_{915-this woman} [she]_0-her had taken nothing all the summer long in wage for waking [her]_0-her tired eyes at daybreak . “_{[4876-a woman]} Have pity ! ” [she]_0-her muttered . “_{[4876-a woman]} [You]_4722-you are poor , indeed , [I]_0-her know ; but help [me]_0-her . [He]_4723-he dies there ! ” [The woman]_{633-the woman} shook [her]_0-her off and shrank . “_[4723-he] Get [you]_4722-you gone , ” [she]_{633-the woman} cried . “_[4722-you] [[My]_0-her little child]_{4724-my little child} will sicken if [you]_4722-you breathe on [her]_{4724-my little child} ! ” [The others]_{1726-the others} said the same , some less harshly , some more harshly . Twice or thrice [they]_{1726-the others} added : “_[4722-you] [You]_4722-you beg of [us]_4725-us , and send the jewels back ? Go and be wise . Make [your]_4722-you harvest of gold whist [you]_4722-you can . Reap while [you]_4722-you may in [the yellow fields]_{4726-the yellow fields} with the sharp sure sickle of youth ! ” [Not one amongst [them]_{1726-the others}]_{8477-not one amongst them} braved the peril of a touch of pity ; [not one amongst [them]_{1726-the others}]_{8477-not one amongst them} asked the story of [her]_{4724-my little child} woe ; and when [the little children]_{442-the little children} ran to [her]_{4724-my little child} [[their]_{442-the little children} mothers]_{901-their mothers} plucked [them]_{442-the little children} back , and cried : “_{[4728-some who pity]} Art mad ? [She]_{4724-my little child} is [plague‐stricken]_{4727-plague‐stricken} . ” [She]_{4724-my little child} went from [them]_{442-the little children} in silence , and left [them]_{442-the little children} and passed out into the open air . In all [this labyrinth of roofs]_{8481-this labyrinth of roofs} , in all these human herds [she]_{4724-my little child} yet thought , “_{[4724-my little child]} Surely there must be [some who pity]_{4728-some who pity} ? ” For even yet [she]_{4724-my little child} was so young ; and even yet [she]_{4724-my little child} knew [the world]_{268-the world} so little . [She]_{4724-my little child} went out into [the streets]_{5229-the streets} . [Her]_{4724-my little child} brain was on fire , and [her]_{4724-my little child} heart seemed frozen ; [her]_{4724-my little child} lips moved without sound , and unconsciously shaped the words which night and day pursued [her]_{4724-my little child} , “_{[4728-some who pity]} A little gold — a little gold ! ” So slight a thing , [they]_{442-the little children} said , and yet high above reach as [Aldebaran]_{260-aldebaran} , when it glistened through the storm wrack of the rain . Why could [he]_{260-aldebaran} have not been content , as [she]_{4724-my little child} had been , with the rush of the winds over [the plains]_{964-the plains} , the strife of the flood and the hurricane , the smell of the fruit‐hung ways at night , the cool green shadows of [the summer woods]_{8485-the summer woods} , the courses of the clouds , the rapture of the keen air blowing from [the sea]_{405-the sea} , the flight of a bird over the tossing poppies , the day song of the lark,—all these were life enough for [her]_{4724-my little child} ; were freedom , loveliness , companionship , and solace . Ah , [God]_118-god ! [she]_{4724-my little child} thought , if only these had made the world of [his]_{260-aldebaran} desires likewise . And even in [her]_{4724-my little child} ghastlier grief [her]_{4724-my little child} heart sickened for [them]_{442-the little children} in vain anguish as [she]_{4724-my little child} went — these the pure joys of earth and air which were [her]_{4724-my little child} only heritage . [She]_{4724-my little child} went out into [the streets]_{5229-the streets} . It was a night of wind and rain . The lamps flickered through the watery darkness . [Beggars]_1906-beggars and [thieves]_7869-thieves and [harlots]_8490-harlots jostled [her]_{4724-my little child} in the narrow ways . “_{[4728-some who pity]} It must be Hell — the hell of [the Christians]_{1006-the christians} , ” [she]_{4724-my little child} muttered , as [she]_{4724-my little child} stood alone on the flints of [the roads]_{5883-the roads} , in the rancid smell , in the hideous riot , in the ghastly mirth , in the choking stench , in the thick steam of the darkness , whose few dull gleams of yellow light served to show the false red on [a harlot]_{8492-a harlot} ’s cheek , or the bleeding wound on a crippled horse , or the reeling dance of [a drunkard]_{8493-a drunkard} . It was [the hell of [the Christians]_{261-the christians}]_{8494-the hell of the christians} : in it there was no hope for [her]_{4724-my little child} . [She]_{4724-my little child} moved on with slow unconscious movement of [her]_{4724-my little child} limbs ; [her]_{4724-my little child} hair blew back , [her]_{4724-my little child} eyes had a pitiless wonder in their vacant stare ; [her]_{4724-my little child} bloodless face had the horror in it that [Greek]_262-greek sculptors gave to the face of [those whom a relentless destiny pursued and hunted down]_{8495-those whom a relentless destiny pursued and hunted down} ; ever and again [she]_{4724-my little child} looked back as [she]_{4724-my little child} went , as though some nameless , shapeless , unutterable horror were behind [her]_{4724-my little child} in [her]_{4724-my little child} steps . [The people]_{4948-the people} called [her]_{4724-my little child} mad , and laughed and hooted [her]_{4724-my little child} ; when [they]_{4948-the people} had any space to think of [her]_{4724-my little child} at all . “_{[4728-some who pity]} A little food , a little wine , for pity ’s sake , ” [she]_{4724-my little child} murmured ; for [her]_{4724-my little child} own needs [she]_{4724-my little child} had never asked a crust in charity , but for [his,—she]_{8497-his,—she} would have kissed the mud from the feet of [any creature who would have had thus much of mercy]_{8498-any creature who would have had thus much of mercy} . In answer [they]_{4948-the people} only mocked [her]_{4724-my little child} , [some]_549-some struck [her]_{4724-my little child} int [he]_8500-he palm of [her]_{4724-my little child} outstretched hand . [Some]_549-some called [her]_{4724-my little child} by foul names ; some seized [her]_{4724-my little child} with a drunken laugh , and cursed [her]_{4724-my little child} as [she]_{4724-my little child} writhed from [their]_{4948-the people} lewd hold ; [some]_549-some , and these often [women]_365-women , whispered to [her]_{4724-my little child} of [the bagnio]_{8504-the bagnio} and [the brothel]_{4980-the brothel} ; [some]_549-some muttered against [her]_{4724-my little child} as [a thief]_{1383-a thief} ; [one]_1305-one , [a youth]_{8509-a youth} , who gave [her]_{4724-my little child} the gentlest answer that [she]_{4724-my little child} had , murmured in [her]_{4724-my little child} ear , “_{[602-a beggar]} [a beggar]_{602-a beggar} ? with that face ? come tarry with [me]_0-her to‐night . ” [She]_{4724-my little child} went on through the sulphurous yellow gare , and the poisonous steam of [these human styes]_{8510-these human styes} , shuddering from the hands that grasped , the voices that wooed [her]_{4724-my little child} , the looks that ravished [her]_{4724-my little child} , the laughs that mocked [her]_{4724-my little child} . It was [the hell of [the Christians]_{1006-the christians}]_{8494-the hell of the christians} ; [it]_{8494-the hell of the christians} was [a city]_{6616-a city} at midnight ; and [its]_{8494-the hell of the christians} very stones seemed to arise and give tongue in [her]_{4724-my little child} derision and cry , “_[4877-fool] Oh , [fool]_4877-fool , [you]_4877-fool dreamt of a sacrifice which should be honour ; of a death , which should be release ; of a means whereby through [you]_4877-fool [the world]_{268-the world} should hear the old songs of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} ? Oh , [fool]_4877-fool ! [We]_4735-we are [Christians]_{6031-christians} here : and [we]_4735-we only gather [the reeds of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{4737-the reeds of the river} to bruise them and break them , songless and dead , in the name of [[our]_4735-we Lord]_{4739-our lord} . ” [She]_{4724-my little child} stumbled on through the narrow ways . After a little space they widened , and the lights multiplied , and through the rushing rains [she]_{4724-my little child} saw the gay casements of [the houses of pleasure]_{8514-the houses of pleasure} . On a gust of wind there came a breath of fragrance from a root of autumn blossom in [a balcony]_{1116-a balcony} . The old sweet woodland smell smote [her]_{4724-my little child} as with a blow ; [the people in [the street]_{5250-the street}]_{8516-the people in the street} looked after [her]_{4724-my little child} . “_[4740-she] [She]_4740-she is mad , ” [they]_{8516-the people in the street} said to [one another]_{700-one another} , and went onward . [She]_{4724-my little child} came to a broad place , which even in that night of storm was still a blaze of fire , and seemed to [her]_{4724-my little child} to laugh through all [its]_8519-its marble mask , and all its million eyes of golden light . A cruel laugh which mocked and said : “_[4740-she] The seven chords of the lyre ; who listens , who cares , who has ears to hear ? But the rod of wealth [all women]_{5171-all women} kiss , and to its rule [all men]_{5168-all men} crawl ; for ever . [You]_4743-you dreamt to give [him]_4744-him immortality?—fool ! Give [him]_4744-him gold — give [him]_4744-him gold ! [We]_4745-we are [Christians]_{6031-christians} here : and [we]_4745-we have but [one God]_{8318-one god} . ” Under one of the burning cressets of flame there was a slab of stone on which were piled , bedded in leaves , all red and gold , with pomp of autumn , the fruit of the vine in great clear pyramids of white and purple ; tossed there so idly in such profusion from the past vintage time , that a copper coin or two could buy a feast for half a score of months . Some of the clusters rotted already from their over ripeness . [She]_{4724-my little child} looked at [them]_{8516-the people in the street} with the passionate woful eyes of a dog mad with thirst , which can see water and yet can not reach it . [She]_{4724-my little child} leaned towards [them]_{8516-the people in the street} , [she]_{4724-my little child} caught [their]_{8516-the people in the street} delicious coldness in [her]_{4724-my little child} burning hands , [she]_{4724-my little child} breathed in [their]_{8516-the people in the street} old familiar fragrance with quick convulsive breath . “_{[8318-one god]} [He]_4744-him dies there ! ” [she]_{4724-my little child} muttered , lifting [her]_{4724-my little child} face to the eyes of [the woman guarding [her]_{4724-my little child}]_{8520-the woman guarding her} . “_[4744-him] [He]_4744-him dies there ; would [you]_4748-you give [me]_0-her a little cluster , ever such a little one , to cool [his]_4744-him mouth , for pity ’s sake ? ” [The woman]_{633-the woman} thrust [her]_{4724-my little child} away , and raised , shrill and sharp through all the clamour of [the crowd , the cry of thief]_{8522-the crowd , the cry of thief} . A score of hands were stretched to seize [her]_{4724-my little child} , only the fleetness of [her]_{4724-my little child} feet saved [her]_{4724-my little child} . [She]_{4724-my little child} escaped from [them]_{8516-the people in the street} , and as a hare flies to [her]_{4724-my little child} form , so [she]_{4724-my little child} fled to [the place whence [she]_{4724-my little child} came]_{8523-the place whence she came} . [She]_{4724-my little child} had done all [she]_{4724-my little child} could ; [she]_{4724-my little child} had made one effort , for [his]_4744-him sake ; and [all living creatures]_{8524-all living creatures} had repulsed [her]_{4724-my little child} . [None]_498-none would believe ; [none]_498-none would pity ; [none]_498-none would hear . [Her]_{4724-my little child} last strength was broken , [her]_{4724-my little child} last faint hope had failed . In [her]_{4724-my little child} utter wretchedness [she]_{4724-my little child} ceased to wonder , [she]_{4724-my little child} ceased to revolt , [she]_{4724-my little child} accepted the fate which [all men]_{5168-all men} told [her]_{4724-my little child} was [her]_{4724-my little child} heritage and portion . “_[4748-you] It was [I]_0-her who was mad , ” [she]_0-her thought , “_[0-her] so mad , so vain , to dream that [I]_0-her might ever be chosen as [the reed]_{7165-the reed} was chosen . If [I]_0-her can save [him]_4750-him , anyhow , what matter , what matter for [me]_0-her ? ” [She]_0-her went back to the place where [he]_4750-him lay — dying , unless help came to [him]_4750-him . [She]_0-her climbed [the stairway]_{8468-the stairway} , and stole through the foulness and the darkness of the winding ways , and retraced [her]_0-her steps , and stood upon [his]_4750-him threshold . [She]_0-her had been absent but one hour ; yet already the last , most abject , most wretched penalty of death had come to [him]_4750-him . [They]_4751-they robbed [him]_4750-him in [his]_4750-him senselessness . The night was wet . The rain dropped through the roof . [The rats]_{8530-the rats} fought on the floor and climbed the walls . The broken lattice blew to and fro with every gust of wind . [A palsied crone , with ravenous hands]_{8531-a palsied crone , with ravenous hands} ; sheared the locks of [his]_{8531-a palsied crone , with ravenous hands} fair hair , muttering , “_[4751-they] [They]_4751-they will fetch a stoup of brandy ; and [they]_4751-they would take [them]_4751-they to‐morrow in [the dead‐house]_{4752-the dead‐house} . ” [The old man who owned [the garret]_{8467-the garret} crammed into a wallet such few things of metal , or of wood , or of paper , as were left in the utter poverty of [the place]_{342-the place}]_{8532-the old man who owned the garret crammed into a wallet such few things of metal , or of wood , or of paper , as were left in the utter poverty of the place} , muttering as [he]_4750-him gathered the poor shreds of art , “_[4751-they] [They]_4751-they will do to burn ; [they]_4751-they will do to burn . At sunrise [I]_0-her will get help and carry the great canvas down . ” [The rats]_{8530-the rats} hurried to [their]_{8530-the rats} holes at the light ; [the hag]_{8536-the hag} let fall [her]_{8536-the hag} shears , and fled through an opening in the wall . [The old man]_{335-the old man} looked up and smiled with a ghastly leer upon [her]_{8536-the hag} in the shadows . “_[0-her] To‐morrow [I]_0-her will have the great canvas , ” [he]_4750-him said , as [he]_4750-him passed out , bearing [his]_4750-him wallet with [him]_4750-him . “_[0-her] And [the students]_{4359-the students} will give [me]_0-her a silver bit , for certain , for that fine corpse of [his]_4754-his . It will make good work for [their]_{4359-the students} knives and [their]_{4359-the students} moulding‐clay . And [he]_4754-his will be dead to‐morrow;—dead , dead . ” And [he]_{335-the old man} grinned in [her]_{8536-the hag} eyes as [he]_{335-the old man} passed [her]_{8536-the hag} . A shiver shook [her]_{8536-the hag} ; [she]_{8536-the hag} said nothing ; it seemed to [her]_{8536-the hag} as though [she]_{8536-the hag} would never speak again . [She]_{8536-the hag} set down [her]_{8536-the hag} lamp , and crossed [the chamber]_{1920-the chamber} , and kneeled down beside the straw that made [his]_{335-the old man} bed . [She]_{8536-the hag} was quite calm . [She]_{8536-the hag} knew that [the world]_{268-the world} gave [her]_{8536-the hag} one chance — one only . [She]_{8536-the hag} knew that [men]_364-men alone reigned , and that [the gods]_{1366-the gods} were dead . [She]_{8536-the hag} flung [herself]_{8536-the hag} beside [him]_{335-the old man} on the straw and wound [her]_{8536-the hag} arms about [him]_{335-the old man} , and laid [his]_{335-the old man} head to rest upon [her]_{8536-the hag} heart ; one moment — [he]_{335-the old man} would never know . Between [them]_8542-them there would be for ever silence . [He]_{335-the old man} would never know . Greatness would come to [him]_{335-the old man} , and the dominion of gold ; and the work of [his]_{335-the old man} hands would pass amidst the treasures of [the nations]_{2458-the nations} ; and [he]_{335-the old man} would live and arise and say , “_[0-her] the desire of [my]_0-her heart is mine,”—and yet [he]_{335-the old man} would never know that [one creature]_{1047-one creature} had so loved [him]_{335-the old man} that [she]_{1047-one creature} had perished more horribly than by death to save [him]_{335-the old man} . If [he]_{335-the old man} lived to the uttermost years of [man]_4882-man , [he]_{335-the old man} would never know how , body and soul , [she]_{8536-the hag} had passed away to destruction for [his]_{335-the old man} sake . To die for [him]_{335-the old man} ! [She]_{8536-the hag} laughed to think how sweet and calm such sacrifice as that had been . Amidst the folded lilies , on [the white waters]_{8546-the white waters} , as the moon rose,—she laughed to think how [she]_{8536-the hag} had sometimes dreamed to slay [herself]_{8536-the hag} in such tender summer peace for [him]_{335-the old man} . That was how [women]_365-women perished when [men]_364-men loved , and loved enough to die with [them]_365-women , [their]_365-women lips upon each other ’s to the last . But [she]_{8536-the hag} — Death in peace ; sacrifice in honour ; a little memory in a human heart ; a little place in [a great hereafter]_{8549-a great hereafter} ; there were things too noble for [her]_{8536-the hag} — so [they]_364-men said . A martyrdom in shame ; a life in ignominy — these were all to which [she]_{8536-the hag} might aspire — so [they]_364-men said . Upon [his]_{335-the old man} breast [women]_365-women would sink to sleep ; amongst [his]_{335-the old man} hair [their]_365-women hands would wander , and on [his]_{335-the old man} mouth [their]_365-women sighs would spend themselves . Shut in the folded leaves of the unblossomed years some dreams of passion and some flower of love must lie for [him]_{335-the old man} — that [she]_{8536-the hag} knew . [She]_{8536-the hag} loved [him]_{335-the old man} with that fierce and envious force which grudged the wind its privilege to breathe upon [his]_{335-the old man} lips , the earth its right to bear [his]_{335-the old man} footsteps , which was for ever jealous of the mere echo of [his]_{335-the old man} voice , avaricious of the mere touch of [his]_{335-the old man} hand . And when [she]_{8536-the hag} gave [him]_{335-the old man} to the future , [she]_{8536-the hag} gave [him]_{335-the old man} to other eyes , that would grow blind with passion , meeting [his]_{335-the old man} ; to other forms , that would burn with sweetest shame beneath [his]_{335-the old man} gaze ; to other lives , whose memories would pass with [his]_{335-the old man} to the great Hereafter , made immortal by [his]_{335-the old man} touch : all these [she]_{8536-the hag} gave , [she]_{8536-the hag} knew . Almost it was stronger than [her]_{8536-the hag} strength . Almost [she]_{8536-the hag} yielded to the desire which burned in [her]_{8536-the hag} to let [him]_{335-the old man} die,—and die there with [him,—and]_{8551-him,—and} so hold [him]_{335-the old man} for ever [hers]_{8536-the hag} , and not [the world]_{268-the world} ’s ; [his]_{335-the old man} and none other ’s in the eternal unison of the grave , so that with [hers]_{8536-the hag} [his]_{335-the old man} beauty should be consumed , and so that with [hers]_{8536-the hag} [his]_{335-the old man} beauty should be shut from human sight , and the same corruption feed together on [their]_8553-their hearts . Almost [she]_{8536-the hag} yielded ; but the greatness of [her]_{8536-the hag} love was stronger than its vileness , and its humility was more perfect than its cruelty . It seemed to [her,—mad]_{8554-her,—mad} , and bruised , and stunned with [her]_{8536-the hag} misery,—that for a thing so worthless and loveless and despised as [she]_{8536-the hag} to suffer the deadliest shame to save a life so great as [his]_{335-the old man} was , after all , a fate more noble than [she]_{8536-the hag} could have hoped . For [her]_{8536-the hag} — what could it matter?—a thing baser than the dust,—whether the feet of [men]_364-men trampled [her]_{8536-the hag} in scorn a little more , a little less , before [she]_{8536-the hag} sank away into the eternal night wherein all things are equal and all things forgotten ? THAT night the moon found [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} , and said : “_[0-her] Did [I]_0-her not declare aright ? Over every female thing [you]_0-her are victorious — soon or late ? ” “_[0-her] But [the Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} answered : — “ Nay , not so . For the soul still is closed against [me]_{211-the red mouse} ; and the soul still is pure . But [this men]_{8556-this men} do not see , and [women]_365-women can not know;—they are so blind . ”_{[211-the red mouse]} ERE another year had been fully born , [the world]_{268-the world} spoke in homage and in wonder of two things . The one,—a genius which had suddenly arisen in [its]_4756-its midst , and taken vengeance for the long neglect of bitter years , and scourged [the world]_{268-the world} with pitiless scorn until , before this mighty scourge which it had dared once to deride and deny , it crouched trembling ; and wondered and did homage ; and said in fear , “ Truly [this man]_{1234-this man} is great , and truth is terrible . ”_{[4876-a woman]} The other,—the bodily beauty of [a woman]_{4876-a woman} ; a beauty rarely seen in open day , but only in the innermost recesses of [[a sensualist]_{4759-a sensualist} ’s palace]_{4760-a sensualist ’s palace} ; a creature barefooted , with chains of gold about [her]_{4876-a woman} ankles , and loose white robes which showed each undulation of the perfect limbs , and on [her]_{4876-a woman} breast the fires of a knot of opal ; [a creature in whose eyes there was one changeless look , as of some desert beast taken from the freedom of the air and cast to the darkness of some unutterable horror]_{4761-a creature in whose eyes there was one changeless look , as of some desert beast taken from the freedom of the air and cast to the darkness of some unutterable horror} ; [a creature whose lips were for ever mute , mute as the tortured lips of [Læna]_263-læna]_{4762-a creature whose lips were for ever mute , mute as the tortured lips of læna} . One day [the man whom [the nations]_{2458-the nations} at last had crowned]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} , saw [the woman whom it was a tyrant]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} ’s pleasure to place beside [him]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} now and then , in the public ways , as [a tribune of [Rome]_23-rome]_{4766-a tribune of rome} placed in [his]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} chariot of triumph the vanquished splendour of [some imperial thing of [Asia]_55-asia]_{4767-some imperial thing of asia} made [[his]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} slave]_{2846-his slave} . Across the clear hot light of noon the eyes of [Arslàn]_172-arslàn fell on [hers]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} for the first time since [they]_4769-they had looked on [her]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} amidst the pale poppies , in the moonrise , in [the fields]_{316-the fields} . [They]_4769-they smiled on [her]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} with a cold , serene , ironic scorn . “ So soon ? ”_{[4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned]} [he]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} murmured , and passed onward , whilst [the people]_{4948-the people} made way for [him]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} in homage . [He]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} had [his]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} heart ’s desire . [He]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} was great . [He]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} only smiled to think — [all women]_{5171-all women} are alike . [Her]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} body shrank , [her]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} head dropped , as though a knife were thrust into [her]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} breast . But [her]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} lips kept [their]_4769-they silence to the last . [They]_4769-they were so strong , [they]_4769-they were so mute ; [they]_4769-they did not even once cry out against [him]_{4763-the man whom the nations at last had crowned} : “ For [thy]_{4765-the woman whom it was a tyrant} sake ! ”_[4769-they] IN the springtime of the year three gods watched by [the river]_{356-the river} . The golden flowers of the willows blew in the low winds ; the waters came and went ; the moon rose full and cold over a silvery stream ; the reeds sighed in silence . Two winters had drifted by , and one hot drowsy summer since [[their]_4774-their creator]_{4775-their creator} had forsaken [them]_4774-their , and all the white still shapes upon the walls already had been slain by the cold breath of Time . The green weeds waved in the empty casements ; the chance‐sown seeds of thistles and of bell‐flowers were taking leaf between the square stones of [the paven places]_{4776-the paven places} ; on the deserted threshold lichens and brambles climbed together ; the filmy ooze of a rank vegetation stole over the loveliness of [Persephone]_{108-persephone} and devoured one by one [the divine offspring of [Zeus]_174-zeus]_{4777-the divine offspring of zeus} ; about the feet of [the bound sun king]_{4778-the bound sun king} in [Pherœ]_102-pherœ and over the calm serene mockery of [Hermes]_164-hermes ’ smile the grey nets of the spiders ’ webs had been woven to and fro , across and across , with the lacing of a million threads , as Fate weaves round the limbs and covers the eyes of [mortals]_2172-mortals as [they]_2172-mortals stumble blindly from [[their]_2172-mortals birthplace]_{4780-their birthplace} to [[their]_2172-mortals grave]_{4781-their grave} . All things , the damp and the dust , the frost and the scorch , the newts and the rats , the fret of the flooded waters , and the stealing sure inroad of the mosses that everywhere grew from the dews and the fogs , had taken and eaten , in hunger or sport , or had touched , and thieved from , then left , gangrened and ruined . [The three gods]_{4782-the three gods} alone remained ; who being [the sons of eternal night , are unharmed , unaltered , by any passage of the years of earth]_{4783-the sons of eternal night , are unharmed , unaltered , by any passage of the years of earth} . [The only gods who never bend beneath the yoke of years]_{4784-the only gods who never bend beneath the yoke of years} ; but unblenchingly behold the nations wither as uncounted leaves , and [the lands]_{3530-the lands} and [the seas]_{4786-the seas} change [their]_4787-their places , and [the cities]_{1111-the cities} and [the empires]_{4789-the empires} pass away as a tale that is told ; and [the deities that are worshipped in [the temples]_{4791-the temples}]_{4790-the deities that are worshipped in the temples} alter in name and attributes and cultus , at the wanton will of the age which begot [them]_{4790-the deities that are worshipped in the temples} . In the still cold moonlit air [their]_{4782-the three gods} shadows stood together . Hand in hand ; looking outward through the white night mists . [Other gods]_{4792-other gods} perished with the faith of each age as it changed ; [other gods]_{4792-other gods} lived by the breath of [men]_364-men ’s lips , the tears of prayer , the smoke of sacrifice . But they,—their empire was [the universe]_{3049-the universe} . In [every young soul that leaps into the light of life rejoicing blindly]_{4796-every young soul that leaps into the light of life rejoicing blindly} , [Oneiros]_166-oneiros has dominion ; and [he]_166-oneiros alone . In every creature that breathes , from [the conqueror resting on a field of blood]_{4797-the conqueror resting on a field of blood} , to the nest bird cradled in its bed of leaves , [Hypnos]_165-hypnos holds a sovereignty which [nothing mortal]_{4798-nothing mortal} can long resist and live . And Thanatos,—to [him]_166-oneiros belong every created thing , past , present , and to come ; beneath [his]_166-oneiros feet all generations lie ; and in the hollow of [his]_166-oneiros hand [he]_166-oneiros holds [the worlds]_{4799-the worlds} ; though [the earth]_{288-the earth} be tenantless , and the heavens sunless , and [the planets]_{4458-the planets} shrivel in their courses , and [the universe]_{3049-the universe} be shrouded in an endless night , yet through the eternal desolation [Thanatos]_167-thanatos still will reign , and through the eternal darkness , through the immeasurable solitudes , [he]_166-oneiros alone will wander , and [he]_166-oneiros still behold [his]_166-oneiros work . Deathless as [themselves]_364-men [their]_364-men shadows stood ; and the worm and the lizard and the newt left [them]_364-men alone and dared not wind about [their]_364-men calm clear brows , and dared not steal to touch the roses at [their]_364-men lips , knowing that ere the birth of the worlds these were and when [the worlds shall have perished these still will reign on:—the slow , sure , soundless , changeless ministers of an eternal rest]_{4803-the worlds shall have perished these still will reign on:—the slow , sure , soundless , changeless ministers of an eternal rest} , of an eternal oblivion . A late light strayed in from the grey skies , pale as the primrose flowers that grew amongst the reeds upon [the shore]_{2087-the shore} ; and found its way to [them]_364-men , trembling ; and shone in the far‐seeing depths of [their]_364-men unfathomable eyes . The eyes which spake and said : “ Sleep , dreams , and death:—we are [the only gods that answer prayer]_{8559-the only gods that answer prayer} . ”_{[4805-a human form]} With the faint gleam of the tender evening , there came across the threshold [a human form]_{4805-a human form} , barefooted , bareheaded , with broken links of golden chains gleaming here and there upon [her]_{4805-a human form} limbs , with white robes hanging heavily , soaked with dews and rains ; with sweet familiar smells of night‐born blossoms , of wet leaves , of budding palm‐boughs , of dark seed‐sown fields , and the white flower foam of [orchards]_{4806-orchards} , shedding their fragrance from [her]_{4805-a human form} as [she]_{4805-a human form} moved . [Her]_{4805-a human form} face was bloodless as the faces of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} ; [her]_{4805-a human form} eyes had a look of blindness ; [her]_{4805-a human form} lips were close locked together ; [her]_{4805-a human form} feet stumbled often , yet [her]_{4805-a human form} path was straight . [She]_{4805-a human form} had hidden by day , [she]_{4805-a human form} had fled by night ; [all human creatures]_{4808-all human creatures} had scattered [themselves]_{4808-all human creatures} from [her]_{4805-a human form} in fear . [She]_{4805-a human form} had made [her]_{4805-a human form} way , blindly but surely through the cool air ; through the shadows and the grasses ; through the sighing sounds of bells ; through [the pastures]_{2718-the pastures} , where the herds were grazing ; through the daffodils blowing in [the shallow brooks]_{4810-the shallow brooks} ; through all the things for which [her]_{4805-a human form} heart had been athirst so long , and which [she]_{4805-a human form} reached — too late . Too late for any coolness of fresh grass beneath [her]_{4805-a human form} limbs to give [them]_4811-them rest ; too late for any twilight song of missel‐thrush or merle to touch [her]_{4805-a human form} dumb dead heart to music ; too late for any kiss of clustering leaves to heal the shame that blistered on [her]_{4805-a human form} lips and withered all [their]_4811-them youth . And yet [she]_{4805-a human form} loved [them]_4811-them : loved [them]_4811-them never yet more utterly than now when [she]_{4805-a human form} came back to [them]_4811-them , faithful as [Persephone]_{108-persephone} to the pomegranate flowers of hell . [She]_{4805-a human form} crossed the threshold , whilst the reeds that grew in the water by the steps bathed [her]_{4805-a human form} feet and blew together against [her]_{4805-a human form} limbs , sorrowing for this life so like [their]_4811-them own , which had dreamed of the songs of the gods , and had only heard the hiss of the snakes . [She]_{4805-a human form} fell at the feet of [Thanatos]_167-thanatos . The bonds of silence were loosened ; the lips dumb so long for love ’s sake found voice , and cried out : “ How long — how long ? Wilt [thou]_8560-thou never take pity , and stoop and say ‘ Enough ? ’ [I]_167-thanatos have kept faith ; [I]_167-thanatos have kept silence to the end . [The gods]_{1366-the gods} know . [My]_167-thanatos life for [his]_167-thanatos ; [my]_167-thanatos soul for [his]_167-thanatos . So [I]_167-thanatos said ; so [I]_167-thanatos have given . [I]_167-thanatos would not have it otherwise . See : [I]_167-thanatos am glad , [I]_167-thanatos am proud , [I]_167-thanatos am strong . See , [I]_167-thanatos have never spoken . [The gods]_{1366-the gods} have let [me]_167-thanatos perish in [his]_167-thanatos stead . Nay ; [I]_167-thanatos suffer nothing . What can it matter for [me]_167-thanatos ? Nay ; [I]_167-thanatos thank [thee]_8563-thee that [thou]_8563-thee hast given [my]_167-thanatos vileness to be the means of [his]_167-thanatos glory . [He]_167-thanatos is great , [he]_167-thanatos has [his]_167-thanatos desire ; and [I]_167-thanatos — [I]_167-thanatos am less than the dust . What matter ? [He]_167-thanatos must not know ; [he]_167-thanatos must never know . And one day [I]_167-thanatos might be weak , or mad , and speak . Take [me]_167-thanatos whilst still [I]_167-thanatos am strong . A little while ago , in a space in the crowds , [he]_167-thanatos saw [me]_167-thanatos . ‘ So soon ! ’ [he]_167-thanatos said,—and smiled . And yet [I]_167-thanatos live ! Keep faith with [me]_167-thanatos ; keep faith at last . Slay [me]_167-thanatos now , quickly , for pity ’s sake ; lest once [I]_167-thanatos speak ! ”_{[167-thanatos]} [Thanatos]_167-thanatos , in answer , laid [his]_167-thanatos hand upon [her]_4812-her lips ; and sealed them , and [their]_4813-their secret with [them]_4813-their , mute for evermore . [She]_4812-her had been faithful to the end . To such a faith there is no recompense of [man]_4882-man , or of [the gods]_{1366-the gods} , save only death . On [the shores of [the river]_{356-the river}]_{4816-the shores of the river} the winds swept through [the reeds]_{6556-the reeds} ; and , sighing amidst them , mourned , saying : “ A thing as free as [we]_8564-we , and as fair as [ye]_8565-ye , is dead ; a thing whose joys were made , like [ours]_8564-we , from song of the birds , from sight of the sun , from sound of [the waters]_{373-the waters} , from smell of [the fields]_{316-the fields} ; from the tossing spray of the white fruit blossoms , from the play of the grasses at sunrise , from all the innocent liberties of earth and air . [She]_4812-her has perished as a trampled leaf , as a broken shell , as a rose that falls in the public ways , as a star that is cast down an autumn night . [She]_4812-her has died as the dust dies ; and none sorrow . What matter ? [Men]_364-men are wise , and [gods]_5169-gods are just , [they]_5169-gods say . ”_{[1366-the gods]} The moon shone cold and clear . The breath of the wild thyme and the willow flowers was sweet upon the air . The leaves blew together , murmuring . The shadows of the clouds were dark upon [the stream]_{374-the stream} . [She]_4812-her lay dead at the feet of [the Sons of Night]_{4820-the sons of night} . [The noisome creatures of [the place]_{342-the place}]_{4821-the noisome creatures of the place} stole away trembling ; the nameless things begotten by loneliness and gloom glided to their holes , as though afraid ; the blind newts crept into the utter darkness afar off ; the cool winds alone hovered near [her]_4812-her , and moved [her]_4812-her hair , and touched [her]_4812-her limbs with all the fragrance of forest and plain , of the young year and the blossoming woods , of the green garden ways and [the silvery sea]_{4823-the silvery sea} . The lives of [the earth]_{288-the earth} , and the air , and [the waters]_{373-the waters} , alone mourned for this life which was gone from amidst [them]_4826-they ; free , even in base bondage ; pure , though every hand had cast defilement on it ; incorrupt , amidst corruption;—for love ’s sake . [The Red Mouse]_{211-the red mouse} sat without , and was afraid , and said : “ To the end [she]_4812-her hath escaped [me]_{211-the red mouse} . ”_{[211-the red mouse]} IN the springtide of the year three reapers cut to the roots the reeds that grew by [the river]_{356-the river} . [They]_4826-they worked at dawn ; the skies were grey , [the still and silvery stream]_{4828-the still and silvery stream} flowed inward slowly ; the air was filled with the dreamy scent of white fruit blossoms ; in the hush of the daybreak the song of a lark thrilled the silence with music ; under the sweep of the steel the reeds fell . Resting from [their]_4826-they labours with the rushes slain around [them]_4826-they , [they]_4826-they — looking idly within — saw [her]_4812-her lying there beneath the gaze of [the gods of oblivion]_{2666-the gods of oblivion} . The gleam of the gold on [her]_4812-her limbs conquered [their]_4826-they fear . [They]_4826-they ventured in and looked on [her]_4812-her , and timorously touched [her]_4812-her and turned [her]_4812-her face to the light of the coming day . Then [they]_4826-they saw that [she]_4812-her was dead . “ It is that evil thing of [Yprès]_11-yprès , ”_[4826-they] [they]_4826-they muttered one to [another]_1475-another ; and stood looking at [one and another]_{4831-one and another} and at [her]_4812-her — afraid . [They]_4826-they spoke in whispers ; [they]_4826-they were sore afraid ; it was still twilight . “ It were a righteous act to thrust [her]_4812-her in a grave , ”_[4826-they] [they]_4826-they murmured to [each other]_{555-each other} at the last,—and paused . “ Ay , truly , ”_[4826-they] [they]_4826-they agreed , “ otherwise [she]_4812-her may break the bonds of Death and rise again and haunt [us]_4826-they always ; who can say ? But the gold — ”_[4826-they] And then [they]_4826-they paused again . “ It were a sin , ”_[1305-one] [one]_1305-one murmured , “ it were a sin to bury the pure good gold in the darkness . Even if it come from hell — ”_[1305-one] “ [The priests]_{514-the priests} will bless it for [us]_4826-they , ”_{[4834-the other twain]} answered [the other twain]_{4834-the other twain} . Against the darkened skies [the lark]_{5094-the lark} was singing . [The three reapers]_{4836-the three reapers} waited a little , still afraid ; then hastily , as [men]_364-men slaughter a thing [they]_{4836-the three reapers} fear may rise against [them]_{4836-the three reapers} , [they]_{4836-the three reapers} stripped the white robes from [her]_4812-her , and drew off the anklets of gold from [her]_4812-her feet , and the chains of gold that were riven about [her]_4812-her breast and limbs . When [they]_{4836-the three reapers} had stripped [her]_4812-her body bare , [they]_{4836-the three reapers} were stricken with a terror of the dead creature whom [they]_{4836-the three reapers} had violated with [their]_{4836-the three reapers} theft ; and being consumed with dread lest any , as the day grew lighter , should pass by there and see what [they]_{4836-the three reapers} had done , [they]_{4836-the three reapers} went out in trembling haste , and together dug deep down into [the wet sands]_{4838-the wet sands} , where the reeds grew , and dragged [her]_4812-her naked body to the air , and thrust [it]_4812-her down there , into [its]_4812-her nameless grave , and covered it , and left it to the rising of the tide . Then , with the gold , [they]_{4836-the three reapers} hurried to [[their]_{4836-the three reapers} homes]_{5236-their homes} , leaving the reeds which [they]_{4836-the three reapers} had reaped to wither in the sunrise . The waters rose and smoothed the ruffled soil , and rippled in a sheet of silver over [the shore]_{2087-the shore} , and effaced all traces of [their]_{4836-the three reapers} work ; so that [no man]_{392-no man} knew this thing which [they]_{4836-the three reapers} had done . In [her]_4812-her life as in [her]_4812-her death [she]_4812-her was nameless , friendless , and alone . The reeds blew together by [the river]_{356-the river} , now red in the daybreak , now white in the moonrise , and the winds sighed through [them]_4843-them wearily , for [they]_4843-them were songless , and [the gods]_{1366-the gods} were dead . The seasons came and went ; the waters rose and sank ; in the golden flowers of the willows the young birds made music with [their]_4845-their wings ; the soft‐footed things of brake and bush stole through the leaves , and drank at the edge of [the stream]_{374-the stream} , and fled away over the wet grey sand : [the people]_{4948-the people} passed down the slow current of the tides with lily‐sheaves of the flowering spring , with ruddy fruitage of the summer meads , with yellow harvest of the autumn fields , passed singing , smiting the reapen rushes as [they]_{4836-the three reapers} went . But [none]_498-none paused there . For [Thanatos]_167-thanatos alone knew . [Thanatos who watched by day and night the slain reeds]_{4849-thanatos who watched by day and night the slain reeds} sigh , fruitless and rootless , in the empty air ; [Thanatos]_167-thanatos , who by the cold , sad patience of [his]_167-thanatos gaze , spake , saying : “ [I]_167-thanatos am the only pity of [the world]_{268-the world} . And even I,—to every mortal thing [I]_167-thanatos come , too early , or too late . ”_{[167-thanatos]}